Boston U developing data-driven well-being index based on genetics, lifestyle, social determinants of health

Andrea Park -

Boston University's School of Public Health has partnered with Atlanta-based digital health company Sharecare to develop a Community Well-Being Index based on medical, lifestyle and environmental data.

The index will mine BU and Sharecare's previously gathered datasets and metrics regarding daily activity, genetics, lifestyle choices and social determinants of health, as well as other environmental factors such as traffic, weather, food insecurity and crime. Other partners will contribute even more de-identified data, including grocery transactions, lab results and prescription medication fulfillment.

The resulting index will be available to researchers and to Sharecare's healthcare, business and government clients for population health analysis. Consumers will also be able to access their personal CWI measure through the Sharecare app, which will offer wellness tips and information about nearby fitness facilities and health food stores.

"Simply put, the CWI will advance our ability to deliver the right interventions to people at the right time, which not only will improve their personal health, but also the places where they work, live and play," said Jeff Arnold, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Sharecare and founder of WebMD.

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