Thryve vs. In-House Integrations: Why a Unified Health Data API is Better Than Going Solo
- Written by: Thryve
- 5 minutes
With the rise of health data aggregators released by big tech companies such as Google and Apple, developers have new ways to bring user health data into their digital health solutions. Health Connect, which centralizes health data on Android devices, is similar in intent to Apple Health on iOS but comes with unique limitations. While these aggregators offer valuable data access and facilitate in-house integrations, a unified health data platform such as Thryve provides essential benefits for organizations seeking reliability, scalability, and comprehensive data.
Key Challenges with Health Aggregators
For digital health providers, relying on aggregators like Apple Health, Health Connect or Huawei Health comes with a set of challenges. First and foremost, there is no overarching integrator for all operating systems – so either way, engineers have to integrate, maintain and unify three or more providers. On top, there are several inherent issues in the nature of the aggregators:
1. Usability
HealthConnect specifically is built into the operating system. Users often have a hard time with the configuration and maintenance of the connections and priorities of data sources connected through HealthConnect, leading to faulty or incomplete data being provided.
2. Data Consistency and Reliability
Aggregators often struggle with data consistency, as they rely on third-party apps to accurately upload and maintain data. This reliance limits reliability: data annotations, specific device information, and certain data types like ECG are often not consistently available. What’s worse, apps like S Health may deliberately add their own annotations to data received from connected health trackers without highlighting accordingly, profoundly impacting downstream utilization of the data such processed. Without these data points, clinical and telemedicine applications may lack the necessary insights to deliver high-quality care.
3. Fragmentation and Device Limitations
Health Connect is primarily designed for recent Android versions, which means many devices on older operating systems don’t support its full functionality. Additionally, manufacturers must maintain separate integrations with aggregators, which delays updates and data accuracy for certain sensors. This fragmentation introduces data gaps and inconsistencies across different devices, limiting the completeness of insights.
4. Limited Data Access and Control
Health Connect and similar aggregators prioritize their own data structure, limiting customization and advanced data analytics. Thryve’s API, by contrast, provides a harmonized data model that ensures easy adaptation to complex health use cases, such as clinical research or insurer wellness programs. Thryve’s API supports more granular control over data, helping organizations to meet specific requirements in a way that aggregators can’t.
Aggregators as an Add-On, Not a Substitute
Health Connect and similar aggregators can be valuable tools for some applications, but they’re best viewed as complementary to a more comprehensive platform like Thryve. By integrating with Thryve, you gain the flexibility to access enriched data from multiple sources without the limitations and inconsistencies of aggregators.
Thryve’s Unified API: Redefining Health Data Integration
As a unified health data platform, Thryve simplifies the integration process, ensuring greater control, security, and scalability for digital health services. Here’s how Thryve stands out:
- Comprehensive, Harmonized Data Model
Thryve provides access to over 500 health devices and wearables, supporting a broader range of metrics compared to standard aggregators. Our API harmonizes data across different sources, ensuring that you have access to accurate, reliable, and well-annotated data. This unified structure is crucial for high-stakes applications in health and wellness, clinical research, and telemedicine. - Built-In Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA is built into Thryve’s platform, simplifying adherence to data protection laws. For companies in healthcare, insurance, and research, Thryve’s compliance guarantees ensure secure data handling—something aggregators often lack due to limited control over third-party data standards. - Flexible Integration with Scalable Support
Thryve’s modular SDK offers customizable integration, making it suitable for diverse application stacks and digital health use cases. Unlike aggregators, which primarily cater to consumer health tracking, Thryve is designed with enterprise-level support in mind. This approach ensures seamless scalability as your business and data needs grow. - Enhanced Data Quality and Accuracy
Thryve’s platform emphasizes data fidelity, ensuring clean, well-structured data for better health insights. With robust support for annotations and the inclusion of specific device information, Thryve helps you deliver individualized care and accurate health insights—impossible with aggregators where data can be fragmented or unverified.
In Summary
Relying solely on data aggregators presents significant challenges for any digital health solution aiming to provide high-quality, reliable insights. Thryve offers a unified, secure, and compliant alternative that meets the rigorous demands of health, research, and wellness organizations. By choosing Thryve, you’ll benefit from a robust and flexible solution that goes beyond the basics to empower your application with data that truly enhances health outcomes.
Ready to see how Thryve can elevate your health integration? Book a demo with us today to explore the possibilities
