How Wearable Devices Are Impacting Patient Care in 2023
Wearable devices, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other sensor-based gadgets, have become increasingly popular in recent years. While these devices were initially developed as consumer-oriented products for tracking fitness and lifestyle habits, they have now found their way into the healthcare industry. Wearable devices are having a significant impact on healthcare, revolutionizing how people monitor and manage their health.
Collecting Information
For example, wearable devices are providing healthcare professionals with new opportunities to collect and analyze patient data in real-time. These devices can measure and track vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and more. They can also track physical activity, sleep patterns, and even stress levels. This data can be used to provide patients with personalized care plans and real-time feedback, enabling them to take control of their own health and make informed decisions.
One of the most significant impacts of wearable devices on healthcare is their ability to enable remote monitoring. Remote monitoring allows healthcare providers to monitor patients outside of traditional healthcare settings, such as in their own homes. This is especially important for individuals with chronic conditions who require regular monitoring and management.
Improving Patient Outcomes
Wearable devices are also helping to improve patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans. These devices can provide patients with real-time feedback and reminders to stay on track with their health goals. They can also track medication adherence and provide alerts if a patient misses a dose.
Aid to Research
Another important impact of wearable devices on healthcare is their use in clinical trials and research. Wearable devices can collect vast amounts of data on patient behavior and health outcomes, which can be used to improve treatments and develop new therapies.
Usage of Wearable Medical Devices
Research has shown that there are seven characteristics of wearables that contribute to their successful use.
- The first is the role wearables play in addressing a specific problem. There should be specific goals that the wearables are intended to achieve with a particular condition.
- The second characteristic is that the wearable is part of an integrated healthcare delivery model. For example, a wearable would be included along with other health care measures, such as health coaching, automated appointment reminders, digital education, and automated medication dosing.
- A third characteristic is a strong support service for the maintenance and repair of the wearables.
- Another feature of an effective wearable program is incorporating human interaction, such as with a healthcare professional
- The wearables must also be easy to use.
- There needs to be a clearly defined method of payment.
- Data that is produced by the wearable must be compatible with data systems being used by healthcare providers currently.
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