HealthLens FAQ
1. What is the HealthLens score?
HealthLens is powered by VivaScore and produces a score which is a scientifically calculated number ranging from 1 (low) to 100 (high). This unique score summarises an individual’s health status by considering the most recent data available. It provides a dynamic measure of overall health.
2. What is the purpose of the HealthLens score?
The score aims to make wellbeing measurable and easy to understand for each individual. It helps provide a clearer picture of someone’s overall health and any potential risk factors based on their results
3. Can HealthLens be used as a clinical diagnosis tool?
Although the score algorithm was developed using clinical best practices, research, and collaboration with universities, clinicians, and actuaries, it is not a diagnostic or treatment tool.
The score calculation only includes data provided by consumers of Alula Health. The information provided by HealthLens is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or prevention of diseases or other medical conditions. Users of HealthLens must always consult a clinician or healthcare practitioner if they have any concerns about their health.
4. I think my score is good, but how am I doing in comparison to other people like me?
The HealthLens score population benchmark, displayed as an average, is designed to compare an individual’s health to others in the same demographic. Naturally, risk factors increase with age, but this does not necessarily mean that a person’s health is declining. For example: if the score is 50 which is in the Average category but the average for the person’s demographic population is 20 (in the Poor category), the person’s Score is 30 points higher than the population average.
5. What data is factored into the HealthLens score?
The score algorithm used is a complex calculation method that processes data received through HealthLens and the wider Alula Health customer base. Data includes self-captured information, such as height, weight, smoking status, sex at birth and age. The results from each Digital Health Check (face scan) which uses rPPG (remote photoplethysmography) technology also form part of the score algorithm, for example, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
Where consent is provided, securely connected wearable device data may also be used to support the score.
6. What is the minimum information needed to calculate a score?
As a minimum, the score requires that the individual completes a short questionnaire, which can then provide a baseline score. By completing a Digital Health Check and making more data available, the score achieves higher levels of completeness.
7. How often will my score change?
The score updates dynamically, using all relevant data available at the time of calculation. This includes updates from completed questionnaires, Digital Health Checks, and where applicable, data from connected wearable devices (where consent has been provided).
Every time a Digital Health Check is completed, or new relevant wearable data is received, the score will be updated.
8. How can I improve my score?
Since the HealthLens score algorithm considers health standards and clinical ranges for the inclusive metrics, the continuous improvement of each metric included in the score will result in an improved score.
To improve your score, and overall health, means that you will need to make healthier choices for yourself on a daily basis for example avoid smoking, try not to consume too much alcohol, eat healthier, take your medication as prescribed and get sufficient sleep and exercise.
A small change every day can yield long term favourable results. Always seek expert advice from a qualified professional if you are concerned about your health.
9. Will connecting my wearable device change my score?
By connecting your device, your data will be used to deliver personalised insights, track progress and support your overall wellbeing. Please note that when you connect your device to HealthLens this may result in your score changing but this is simply the result of the app being able to access more data and provide a more accurate result. You can choose what data you share with HealthLens through your device settings.
10. What privacy regulations are taken into consideration?
HealthLens adheres to the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. In addition, please refer to Alula Technologies Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
11. What data is stored?
We store data from completed Digital Health Checks, with consent in place. The retained data is important for providing you with insights, reports, and historical comparisons. It can also be used to produce an overall Health Score for your organisation where you are part of a company funded health plan. All information in these reports is anonymised to ensure that no individual can be identified within this.
12. Where is the data stored?
The data is securely stored within the United Kingdom using Microsoft Azure services.
13. How secure is the data?
The interoperability exchange and unique API layer is an Open API REST service using JSON messaging over HTTPS using latest encryption standards. This allows for the secure exchange of data. Best-practice monitoring, and alerts are in place. Furthermore, Microsoft Azure services ensure state-of-the-art protocols are in place to fight cyber threats at global level. Each instance that is deployed will comply with the data and/or privacy regulations and other appropriate governance requirements.
14. How does HealthLens use wearable device data?
When you connect a wearable device, HealthLens securely receives health and activity data such as movement, sleep, and wellness metrics (depending on device capabilities and your permissions). This data is used to deliver personalised insights and track progress over time.
15. Is my wearable and health data shared with third parties?
No. Your data is never shared externally with third parties for commercial use.
16. Can I withdraw consent or disconnect my wearable device?
Yes. You can withdraw consent at any time. If you do, HealthLens will stop collecting data from your wearable and you can disconnect the device from your account settings
17. Do I need a wearable device to use HealthLens?
No. HealthLens can generate a score using questionnaire data and Digital Health Checks alone. Connecting a wearable enhances insights but is optional.