Wearable technology is growing in importance for medical uses

Wearable technology has come a long way from the basic fitness trackers many of us are familiar with. Today, these devices are becoming essential tools in healthcare, offering benefits far beyond simple activity tracking. In this article, we'll explore how wearable medical technology is evolving, its advantages, and some of the most exciting devices available today.

The Growing Market for Wearable Medical Technology

The healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing markets for wearable technology and the Internet of Things (IoT). In 2020, experts predicted that the revenue from wearable health tech could reach $67.2 billion by 2030. This growth highlights the increasing importance of these devices in improving medical care.

What is Wearable Healthcare Technology?

Wearable healthcare technology refers to devices continuously monitoring physical activities, behaviors, and health parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. In the “Online Journal of Nursing Informatics,” Dr. Min Wu and Dr. Jake Luo describe these technologies as essential tools that help patients and healthcare providers manage health more effectively.

Advantages of Wearable Technology in Healthcare

Real-time Health Monitoring: Wearables provide continuous tracking of vital signs, offering immediate data that helps doctors and patients respond quickly to health issues.

Early Detection of Diseases: Constant monitoring helps detect health problems early. Wearables can identify changes in your health that might indicate the beginning of a disease or the worsening of a chronic condition.

Improved Diagnosis: By collecting detailed health data over time, wearables help doctors make more accurate diagnoses. This long-term data gives healthcare providers a better understanding of a patient’s health.

Instant Health Alerts: Wearables can send real-time alerts when vital signs indicate a potential health risk. This feature is especially helpful for managing chronic conditions, allowing for timely intervention.

Challenges of Using Wearable Technology in Healthcare

Device Malfunctions: Like any mechanical device, wearables can malfunction or give inaccurate readings. Issues such as battery failure or poor Wi-Fi connection can cause problems. Patients and healthcare providers need to work together to ensure accurate data and proper use of these devices.

Data Security: While wearable devices offer valuable data, they also pose a risk of data breaches. Protecting sensitive health information is crucial. Developers must follow regulations to safeguard electronic health records (EHRs) and ensure data privacy.

Some Innovative Wearable Medical Devices:

Continuous Glucose Monitoring

The Dexcom G6 is a CGM system that provides real-time glucose readings every five minutes without the need for fingerstick calibration. It consists of a sensor placed under the skin, a transmitter that sends data wirelessly, and a receiver or compatible smart device to display glucose levels.?

ECG and Heart Rhythm Monitoring

The Apple Watch Series 4 includes an ECG app that can capture an electrocardiogram similar to a single-lead ECG. It helps detect irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). Users can take an ECG anytime, anywhere by placing their finger on the Digital Crown. The watch also features fall detection, heart rate monitoring, and emergency SOS for comprehensive health and safety monitoring.

Continuous Temperature Monitoring for Children

TempTraq is a single-use, Bluetooth-enabled temperature monitor in the form of a soft patch. It continuously measures and records a child's temperature for up to 24 hours. Parents can monitor the temperature via a smartphone app and receive alerts if the temperature rises above a preset threshold. TempTraq provides a stress-free way to keep track of a child's fever, especially during illness.

Baby Heart Rate and Oxygen Monitoring

The Owlet Smart Sock is a baby monitor that tracks a child's heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep. The sock is worn on the baby's foot and sends data to a base station and a smartphone app. Parents receive real-time alerts if the readings fall outside the preset safe zones. The Smart Sock provides peace of mind by ensuring continuous monitoring of a baby's well-being during sleep.

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