Thrivable, a startup founded by David Edelman, CEO, and founder of Diabetes Daily, has emerged as a vital bridge between patients and companies in the medical industry. The platform addresses the significant gap that exists between patients and the organizations developing medical products, particularly in the context of diabetes treatment. The startup connects patients dealing with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to the companies manufacturing the medical products they rely on for their health.
David Edelman, who previously co-founded Diabetes Daily in 2005, recognized the need for better communication and collaboration between patients and the medical industry. Diabetes Daily, an online community, served as a platform for people with diabetes to connect and share information. As the community grew to over a million monthly visitors, companies sought insights into patients’ needs and preferences. However, traditional channels of gathering customer data, such as email surveys, were hindered by privacy regulations like HIPAA, which protect patient confidentiality.
Thrivable, founded in 2019, stepped in to bridge this gap and facilitate meaningful engagement between patients and medical companies. The startup employs a network of over 100,000 patients who are willing to share their experiences and insights. Patients sign up on the platform and provide information about their condition, treatment methods, and the medical products they use. Thrivable ensures the protection of patient privacy while connecting them with companies seeking valuable input.
The platform facilitates surveys, market research, and feedback mechanisms, allowing companies to gain a deeper understanding of their customers. Patients are compensated for their time, typically earning $1 or more per minute for participating in surveys or testing medical devices. This mutually beneficial arrangement allows patients to contribute to the improvement of medical products while being compensated for their valuable time and insights.
The scope of Thrivable’s impact extends beyond traditional market research. For example, patients may provide feedback on the usability of an app for an insulin pump, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of users, including those with colour blindness or arthritis. The platform has proven effective in helping companies create products that align with the real-world experiences of patients, addressing challenges and improving overall user satisfaction.
While Thrivable initially drew patients from Diabetes Daily, it has since expanded its outreach efforts to include a diverse range of patients from different backgrounds and situations. The startup aims to continue expanding its network to cover more medical conditions and include a broader spectrum of individuals, facilitating a comprehensive dialogue between patients and the medical industry. In doing so, Thrivable is playing a crucial role in transforming the way companies gather insights and innovate in the healthcare space.
