How Health Monitoring Wearable Devices Work? 5 Common Types of Wearable Tech Healthcare

Since the introduction of the first implantable medical device, the pacemaker, in 1958, the field of health monitoring wearable devices has made significant progress. In fact, it is expected that by 2028, the wearable technology industry for healthcare will reach a staggering value of $380 billion, highlighting its continuous growth and immense potential.?

Our post today will discover the fascinating world of wearable tech in health, their benefits, how they work and 5 common types of wearable devices?which shape the healthcare industry.?

I. What is health monitoring wearable device??

Health monitoring wearable devices are becoming increasingly popular as they allow individuals to track their health in real-time and provide valuable insights for improving overall well-being.?

A health monitoring wearable device is an electronic device designed to be worn on the body that collects and tracks data related to an individual's health and well-being. ?

These devices are typically equipped with sensors that can monitor various physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, activity levels, and more. ?

In recent years, health monitoring wearable device found it significant applications in the following fields: ?

• COVID-19 predictions?
• Fertility tracking?
• Heat-related illnesses?
• Drug effects?
• Psychological interventions?

II. How wearable tech healthcare help patients??

Wearable tech healthcare?brings 4 main functions that are currently used to serve in healthcare. including: monitoring, screening, detection, and prediction?

1. Monitoring?

Monitoring is the basic function served by wearables, performed by wristbands, patches, watches and clothing. ?

It involves the continuous collection of data from individuals or specific populations. Wearables are particularly efficient for monitoring as they can track various biomedical processes using different sensors and can be worn constantly for continuous data collection.?

2. Screening ?

Screening involves identifying specific conditions or individuals associated with those conditions within the datasets collected through monitoring. ?

Wearables used for screening often utilize passive sensors that measure motion, steps, light, pressure, sound, and other factors. ?

For example, wearable garments have been used to monitor individuals during sleep and screen for sleep apnea.?

3. Detection?

When wearables monitor specific conditions in populations, they can be used to detect and alert individuals about those conditions. Detection involves analyzing wearable data collected through monitoring to identify patterns and features that can be interpreted as indicators of specific biomedical conditions. ?

For instance, smartwatches and dedicated bands have been used for heart rate monitoring and automatic detection of atrial fibrillation.?

Detection also intersects with both monitoring and screening. For example, smartwatches can monitor populations for irregular pulse, screen for individuals potentially suffering from atrial fibrillation, and identify the condition.?

4. Prediction?

Prediction involves inferring future trends or events of interest for the biomedical study of populations based on monitoring data. Currently, only a few wearable devices are used for prediction in the health context. They can be used to predict outcomes such as mortality, readmissions, and clinical risk. ?

In the context of COVID-19, wearables have been tested for retrospective detection of infection and prediction of COVID-19, even before the presence of symptoms. ?

Other examples include using accelerometer data from wearable devices to predict biological age and mortality and respiratory rate data to predict exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.?

ate data to predict exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

III. How do health monitoring wearable devices work??

1. Collect data and share with healthcare professionals?

Wearable tech in health is equipped with microprocessors, batteries, and internet connectivity, allowing the collected data to be synchronized with other electronic devices like smartphones or laptops.?

This data then will be shared and forwarded directly to patient management center for healthcare professionals. ?

2. Built-in sensors and tracking capabilities?

Wearables are equipped with built-in sensors that enable various functionalities, such as tracking bodily movements, providing biometric identification, or assisting with location tracking. ?

For instance, activity trackers and smartwatches, which are among the most popular types of wearables, are worn on the wrist and continuously monitor physical activities and vital signs throughout the day.?

3. Different forms and tracking methods?

While many wearables are designed to be worn on the body or attached to clothing, some function without physical contact with the user. ?

Devices like cell phones, smart tags, or computers can be carried around to track user movements. Others rely on remote smart sensors and accelerometers to monitor movements and speed, while some utilize optical sensors for measuring heart rate or glucose levels. ?

Regardless of the specific technology, all these wearables share the common feature of real-time data monitoring.?

IV. 5 common types of wearable tech healthcare

1. Sports and fitness trackers? ?

Fitness trackers are widely recognized and cost-effective wearable devices that offer assistance to individuals in their daily lives. These compact wristbands contain embedded sensors that make them people's go-to companions. They can easily synchronize with smartphones, enabling users to conveniently access and manage the data they collect.?

It helps:?

• Monitor physical activity through tools like step counter?
• Provide updates on the number of calories burned during activities?
• Track sleeping stages to help users understand their sleep patterns.?
• Measure fundamental health parameters for a holistic view of one's well-being?

Examples: Fitbit, Garmin ?

2. Smart watches?

Smart health watches have undergone significant advancements over the years, combining the capabilities of smartphones with activity tracking features. 92% (9 out of 10) of smartwatch users use them for health and fitness reasons.?

It helps:?

• Track and monitor activity, stress levels, sleep, and heart rhythms?
• Detect troubling illness symptoms?
• Notify users about abnormalities of irregularities?
• Directly forward patients’ data to healthcare professionals.?

Examples: Apple watch, Samsung galaxy watch?

3. Smart clothing?

Smart clothing?could revolutionize healthcare by providing undergarments, clothing, and footwear embedded with sensors. ?

It helps:?

• Track a range of biometric data?
• Facilitate earlier diagnoses and preventative measures?
• Detect possible heart problems and other issues ?

Examples: Siren's diabetic socks, foot monitoring system?

4. Smart contact glasses and lens ?

Virtual reality, augmented reality, eye trackers, and smart glasses all have the potential for supporting individuals with vision loss and/or impairment. ?

It helps:?

• Regain vision and provide assistance?
• Monitor eye health to detect eye disorders early?
• Help people with disabilities like blindness or deafness?
• Healthcare professionals use these across lifespans to improve the quality of life for patients. ?

Examples: Mojo lens, Google lens, Oculenz focus?

5. ECG monitors?

ECG monitors go beyond simply measuring electrocardiograms (ECGs) and offer advanced features for detecting arrhythmias and sharing the readings with physicians or cardiologists for further analysis.?

It helps:?

• Detect and analyze heart rhythms. ?
• Provide valuable insights into the cardiovascular health of patients?
• Detect abnormalities and prompt medical intervention?
• Manage and treat cardiovascular conditions?

Examples: EMAY Portable ECG Monitor, Eko DUO ECG + Digital Stethoscope ?

V. Final thoughts?

The future of wearables looks promising, with continuous innovation and advancements on the horizon. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting and impactful wearable devices to enter the market, revolutionizing how we interact with technology and improving various aspects of our lives.?

As a premier company in healthcare software development , Adamo recognizes the advantages that organizations can gain by incorporating wearable medical device integration into their digital healthcare solutions. This integration can result in improved healthcare outcomes for both medical practitioners and patients, providing significant benefits to all parties involved.?