How can wearable technology help healthcare?
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Smartwatch innovation is progressing rapidly, driven by advances in sensors, semiconductors, and AI. For example, some smartwatches now feature optical sensors that continuously measure variations in blood volume and composition using a technology called photoplethysmography (PPG). Algorithms produced and continually improved via machine learning use data from these sensors to provide insights into users’ activity levels, stress, heart pattern anomalies, and more. Show
As another example, companies are getting closer to enabling smartwatches to monitor blood pressure, using PPG and other technologies such as Raman spectroscopy, and infrared spectrophotometers. Measuring blood pressure with a cuff is inconvenient and uncomfortable. Most importantly, periodic blood pressure measurements can miss signs of chronic hypertension, which can cause heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Accurate, continuous, unobtrusive blood pressure measurement could expand the smartwatch market: 1.3 billion adults worldwide suffer from hypertension. Of course, there are limits to what current smartwatch sensor technology can do without attaching to—or getting under—a person’s skin. That’s where smart patches come in. Smart patches, developed mostly by medtech companies, are typically small and unobtrusive, affixing directly to a person’s skin. Some “minimally invasive” smart patches use microscopic needles that painlessly penetrate the skin to act as biosensors and sometimes to deliver medications. Unlike smartwatches, which provide a broad range of health data and insights, smart patches are typically designed for a single indication such as diabetes management, patient monitoring, and drug delivery. Smart patches also employ a broader range of technologies. For example, smart patches that measure heart rate variability often use electrocardiogram technology that tracks the heart’s electrical activity directly and more accurately than smartwatches. Smartwatches and smartphones still play an important role. Data from smart patches is being integrated with smartwatch and smartphone apps, sending data to these devices for display and analysis. With the right technology, including interoperability capabilities, doctors could see wearable health data on a patient’s health record, gaining access to more comprehensive information to inform diagnosis and care. HomeReadRecentCategoriesGlobal NewsEngageFor PatientsFor ProfessionalsWrite an ArticleMedical Tourism Index AboutContactEditorial Guideliness  Search for Articles Free Webinar | Medical Tourism: Quick Wins or Long-Term Success? → by 01 Home 02 READ 2.1 RECENT 2.2 GLOBAL NEWS 03 ENGAGE 3.1 FOR PATIENTS 3.2 FOR PROFESSIONALS 3.3 Write an article 3.4 CERTIFIED MEDICAL TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL 04 INFORM 4.1 About Us 4.2 editorial guidelines 4.4 MEDICAL TOURISM INDEX 05 contact Employer Pop Quiz→ How does your organization score for health & safety? Take the 5-min. quiz and find out! Self-Funded Employer? Take this survey for a chance to win $500 →Our Response to COVID-19 → Search for Articles How Wearable Medical Devices are Transforming Healthcare Editorial By connecting our senses to sensors, wearable technology has made a quantum leap, unlocking numerous opportunities across multiple industry verticals. Continuing evolution in wearable technology is paving the way for the emergence of advanced devices in the field of communication and navigation. Perhaps, the greatest potential of wearable technology exists in the healthcare sector. Wearable healthcare technology is gaining widespread popularity, primarily owing to its ease of use and flexibility. People have turned to wearable devices that effectively monitor the functioning of their vitals, helping them avoid daily visits to their physician. Improving the Medical “Root Cause Analysis”Traditionally, body-borne computing devices are apt for medical diagnostic purposes. Conventional ways of checking blood pressure and blood sugar required complex, invasive procedures, the results of which were not available instantly.
As they reduce the need for physically visiting doctors for common diagnostic procedures, medical wearables will also witness higher adoption at diagnostic centers, specialty clinics, and pathology labs.
The device and its mobile app may show data on erratic changes in body temperatures during a specific time – and this data can help physicians detect the root cause of such recurring instabilities. Patients can reveal activities they engage in, or the foods they consumed during this period, which could further help the doctor to recommend some prohibitions.
Wearable sensors for remote healthcare monitoring systems are being developed to improve the accuracy of clinical assessment. Wearables equipped with electrocardiograph (EKG) sensors can monitor the patient’s heart activity by sensing multiple physiological signals.
Wearable medical devices that can offer such critical monitoring procedures effectively can put an end to a wide range of existing medical monitoring systems and products. In addition, the adoption of these medical wearables will further supplement a physician’s ability to denote the health monitoring of a remotely located user. Connectivity functions are preloaded in every wearable medical device available in the market. Some advanced medical wearables also facilitate cloud connectivity. This means that any crucial irregularities in the user’s health will be informed to all concerned medical practitioners treating the user, and will also update existing electronic medical records through cloud-based accessibility.
Healthcare Wearables – the Regulatory PerspectiveThe transformative potential of wearable medical devices is no longer restrained to medical treatments and healthcare services as these devices are managing to swiftly navigate the interlaced and intricate regulatory approval framework of the FDA.
Wearable technology is also crossing the boundary from consumer electronics devices to regulated medical devices. A clinically-focused evolution of healthcare wearables, however, is irking the FDA authorities who are concerned more about the potential problems caused to consumers, rather than the security of these wearable devices. Wearable medical devices associated with fitness apps, diabetes management or similar medical intentions are steering clear of the FDA crossroads, while the ones that record critical data for medical treatment are being meticulously reviewed.
From a medical standpoint, wearable technology offers promising transformation for the healthcare industry, particularly as patient care devices. In the long run, healthcare wearables will be observed as an evolving product segment in the global industry of medical devices, which is presently on the cusp of rapid innovation. Cost of regulatory compliance may get lowered, creating a stable ground for manufacturers of wearable medical devices. These product developers, along with regulators and healthcare service providers, must embrace the potential of wearable technology in improving the conveyance of care to patients. Learn about how you can become a Certified Medical Tourism Professional→No items found. related articles Korea: Turning the Focus to an Emerging Global Leader in Medical TourismDr. Frank DellaCroce of The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Talks Advanced Breast ReconstructionU.S. Healthcare Cost Hike and the Shift Toward Korean Medical TourismExploring Singapore’s Robust Medical Travel IndustryRedefining Healthcare: American Health Payers Shift Focus to Medical Tourism amid Rising Healthcare CostsTop 7 Things to Look for When Choosing a Medical Tourism FacilitatorContinue ReadingEditorial Dr. Frank DellaCroce of The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Talks Advanced Breast Reconstructionby Medical Tourism Magazine at Editorial The Calm after the Storm: The Future of Medical Tourism Post-Pandemicby Medical Tourism Magazine at Editorial Cultural Competency and the Medical Travel Patient Experienceby Medical Tourism Magazine at Featured ReadingEditorial Dr. Frank DellaCroce of The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Talks Advanced Breast Reconstructionby Medical Tourism Magazine at Destination Spotlight Korea: Turning the Focus to an Emerging Global Leader in Medical Tourismby Medical Tourism Magazine at Editorial Cultural Competency and the Medical Travel Patient Experienceby Medical Tourism Magazine at Medical Tourism MagazineThe Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today. How will wearable medical devices transform healthcare?For example, a wearable device will be able to monitor biomarkers, including core body temperature, body hydration, blood pressure, alcohol, glucose, and lactose trends, to reveal important clues about an individual's health.
What are 5 benefits of wearable technology?Pros of wearable technology. Wearable technology supports healthcare. ... . Wearable technology is easy to use. ... . Wearable technology is great for older people. ... . Wearable technology increases productivity. ... . Wearable technology encourages fitness in the workplace – and at home. ... . Wearable technology supports safe working practices.. What is the future of wearable technology in healthcare?Consumer-led healthcare will change patient care pathways, driving the industry to grow and collaborate in new ways, both with patients around their own health and with partners and innovators. The wearable health tech market is predicted to be one of the largest and fastest growing markets of the next decade.
What are wearable devices in healthcare?Wearable devices are electronic devices that consumers wear to track their health data and control it. These fitness devices not only track health but also give wearers health recommendations. Fitbit and Apple Watch, Blood Pressure Monitor are a few examples of wearable devices.
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