Medtronic has signed a deal with Garmin to allow data from its vivofit wearable devices to be synced with its remote patient monitoring platform.

The Medtronic Care Management Services' (MCMS) platform can now collect activity data from Garmin’s vivofit series of wearable devices.

Sheri Dodd, vice president and general manager of Medtronic Care Management Services, said: "Remote patient monitoring is at its best when technology and care coordination can work together seamlessly.

"Garmin activity trackers have the features and long battery life that will help make at-home monitoring easier for patients. We are excited to bring this unique integration into our industry-leading services to help enhance the healthcare and post-discharge recovery support care providers can give to their patients, especially those living with chronic conditions."

The medical technology firm hopes collecting and collating activity data may provide clinicians with an enhanced view of a patient’s health status, and help direct his or her self-care.

The deal with Garmin marks a move to a more general application for Medtronic’s technology, which has previously had a particular focus on diabetes.

Last year Medtronic tied-up with Fitbit to integrate health ad activity tracking into a new version of its continuous glucose monitoring mobile app.

Also in 2016 there was a deal with Qualcomm for diabetes sensors, and the year before that Medtronic signed an alliance with Samsung to develop a range of solutions for patients with diabetes.

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