Wearable technology gives medical practitioners the ability to monitor their patients’ health vitals such as heart rates, sweat levels, skin temperature and blood sugar levels on a constant basis. This allows them to detect diseases early on and save lives.
However, the wearable industry needs to address issues around bias in connected sensor technologies such as the way that light skin color can distort the data.
Early Detection of Diseases
The massive amount of data that wearables generate makes remote patient surveillance systems more comprehensive, allowing health care professionals to detect and address problems in real time. Using machine learning algorithms, the complex links between sensor data and human physiological metrics can uncover previously unknown correlations, helping to identify issues before they escalate into full-blown diseases.
One example of this is the Apple Watch’s ability to detect irregular heart rhythms, alerting users when their heart rate falls outside the normal range and requesting that they take an EKG. This allows people to flag their own health issues, such as Lyme disease or atrial fibrillation, before they become serious, and could even prevent them from needing to visit the hospital.
Smart watches, rings, and clothing woven with tech are the most common current forms of wearables, with big-name brands regularly pushing their functionality to new heights. But experts believe that the future lies in a new class of wearables, which are designed to adhere directly to the skin like a Band-Aid or temporary tattoo.
Personalised Health Recommendations
Health wearables help consumers take an active role in their wellness and self-care. These devices collect data on the health of individuals and make recommendations based on their unique health profile. This helps them stay healthy and avoid illnesses like COVID-19.
Some of these wearables can even detect abnormalities early on and send them to a healthcare professional, which saves time and money in the long run. They also provide an opportunity to improve the doctor-patient relationship.
Moreover, these devices allow people to access their medical history at any time. It also enables them to compare their health progress over the years, which is very important.
The use of wearables is growing rapidly in the healthcare industry. In addition, new devices with improved sensors are being rolled out every day. They can track a variety of healthcare parameters, including blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and heart rate. Some even detect a range of symptoms, such as atrial fibrillation.
More Trusted by Doctors
Consumer devices such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and earbuds are already popular. But future wearables may be invisible, stitched into clothing or even ingrained under the skin. For example, scientists are developing a thin e-skin patch that can sense sweat, heart beat and electrochemical signals from the body.
The ubiquity of these wearables has already changed how people think about health and wellness. It’s led to a more personal experience that’s inspiring people to make healthier choices.
But the current medical care model is still stifling the potential of this technology to improve our lives. The fee-for-service model misaligns the incentives of healthcare providers, device makers, payers and consumers to leverage wearables for the most effective uses.
And some doctors see wearables as little more than toys, a short-sighted view that reveals a lack of understanding about what this new technology can do for patients. But forward-thinking doctors are taking a patient-first approach, adapting their business models and medical practices to take advantage of the global trend towards a healthier society.
Embedded Under the Skin
The next generation of wearables will likely be embedded into your skin. For example, researchers at MIT have developed an ultra-thin electronic skin that monitors glucose concentrations, blood pressure and heart rate without the need for large chip attachments.
The technology also enables people to monitor their sleep patterns and live a healthy lifestyle by tracking and analysing data. It has already made it easier for people to track their fitness and diet goals.
Wearables are also advancing to the point where they can replace keys and passwords and help keep track of your children or pets. They are even being used as authentication tools for public services like Disney theme parks, hotels and flights.
With a shortage of physicians worldwide, it is essential that people have the ability to self-diagnose and monitor their health. Wearables provide a convenient and safe way to do this, as well as providing a more efficient use of doctors’ time.
OnePhenix is the only IPAAS software that connects your wearable data to your healthcare professionals. www.Onephenix.com.au