Pros and Cons of Wearable Technology
Like any technology, wearables have a wide range of pros and cons. Some of the most prominent concerns revolve around privacy and security.
Wearables have the potential to transform healthcare, shifting it from reactive care (treating a patient who is already sick) to preventive care. But are these devices the right tool for your organization?
Convenience
Wearables give people immediate access to information they need without having to pull out a phone or log on to desktop applications. This allows them to save accumulated time and increases productivity.
Many varieties of wearables are designed with safety in mind. For example, some smartwatches can alert loved ones if they fall or trip. This can help older people live independently and gives their families the reassurance that they may seek help quickly.
Another benefit of wearable technology is that it can be used to track employee health and fitness as part of a corporate wellness program. This can improve key wellness metrics and help reduce healthcare costs. It can also boost employee morale by providing them with instant and convenient on-the-body feedback about their progress and achievements.
Real-time tracking
With wearable technology, it’s easier than ever to keep track of how much you’re exercising or the calories you’re burning. Having the ability to see your progress instantly can motivate you to continue working hard to reach your goals.
In the event of a medical emergency, wearables can immediately relay important health information to doctors and hospitals. They can also help in the diagnosis of diseases and facilitate remote intervention for underserved areas.
In addition to their benefits to healthcare, wearables can improve employee morale and productivity. A study commissioned by Rackspace showed that workers using wearable tech are 3.5% more productive than those who don’t. Moreover, companies use wearable devices to track employees’ fitness and wellness as part of their corporate wellness programs. According to a study by Human Cloud At Work, these devices are also linked to incentive programs that reduce healthcare costs.
Watchful eye of a healthcare professional
Various kinds of wearables are designed with safety in mind, such as medical alert devices that can instantly notify the emergency services if they detect a fall. These are especially useful for older adults living alone. However, these devices are usually quite expensive and can lead to significant financial burdens if an organization has to replace existing systems and technology infrastructures to support them.
Despite these drawbacks, many experts agree that wearables do offer numerous benefits for healthcare professionals. Among them, they increase staff productivity and enhance their job satisfaction. In addition, they also reduce distractions by allowing employees to quickly check their schedules without having to take out their smartphones or log into desktop applications. The technology can also help medical staff to solve issues faster. For example, some wearable devices can provide doctors with a view of inside a patient’s veins. This can reduce the need for invasive interventions and help patients recover faster.
Potentially invasive shared data
Wearable technology is used for a variety of purposes, including fitness tracking and detecting acute events in time to facilitate preventative care. They promote an active, health-focused lifestyle and facilitate access to medical services in underserved areas.
However, many users have reported concerns about privacy and the security of their data. It is important that any device that monitors a patient’s activity is not invasive, and that users are aware of what their data is being tracked and how it will be used.
Furthermore, it is vital that physicians are prepared for the added workload associated with receiving this data. It’s also important that they understand and follow the laws regarding privacy and how it might affect their patient-provider relationships. Physicians should be prepared to explain to patients how this information is collected and what it’s used for. This will help to build trust and ensure compliance. This is crucial for effective healthcare.
OnePhenix is the only IPAAS software that connects your wearable data to your healthcare professionals. www.Onephenix.com.au