Wearable technology, once viewed as a luxury item for the tech-savvy early adopters, has become ubiquitous across all facets of modern society. Wearable technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery by providing real-time, continuous monitoring of patients’ vital signs, reducing hospitalization time, improving overall health outcomes, and decreasing healthcare costs. This article will explore the benefits of wearable technology in healthcare delivery, providing real-life examples of how wearable devices have transformed the industry.
Benefits of Wearable Tech in Healthcare
Wearable technology has the potential to change the way healthcare is delivered by enhancing the patient experience and offering healthcare providers more data to make informed decisions. Here are some of the potential benefits of wearable technology in healthcare:
1. Continuous Monitoring of Vital Signs
Continuous monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels can help healthcare providers detect early warning signs of potential health issues. Wearable tech devices such as smartwatches, wristbands, and rings can help track vital signs and provide real-time data to healthcare providers.
One example is the Apple Watch. The watch incorporates a heart rate sensor, which can detect an irregular heartbeat that could be indicative of atrial fibrillation. The watch can also detect falls, and if the user is unresponsive, automatically contacts emergency services. This type of continuous monitoring can help prevent hospitalizations and reduce healthcare spending.
2. Better Patient Engagement
Wearable technology can engage patients by providing personalized feedback and encouraging them to make positive lifestyle changes. Fitness trackers and pedometers can help monitor activity levels, reminding users to maintain a healthy lifestyle and move more throughout the day.
A successful example of this is the Fitbit. The Fitbit app allows users to set and track goals, as well as log their food intake to maintain a healthy diet. Patients can share this data with their healthcare providers to help track their progress and create a tailored health plan.
3. Improved Medication Adherence
Studies show that medication non-adherence is a significant healthcare problem that can result in increased hospitalization and healthcare costs. Wearable tech devices can help remind patients to take their medications and track their adherence rates.
An example of this is the MedMinder. The device can notify patients when it is time to take their medication, and even dispense the medication for them. Additionally, patients can use the device to track their medication intake, and healthcare providers can monitor their adherence rates and intervene when necessary.
Real-life Examples of Wearable Technology in Healthcare
Here are some real-life examples of how wearable technology has transformed healthcare delivery:
Boston Children’s Hospital Remote Monitoring Study
The Boston Children’s Hospital conducted a study in which patients with congenital heart disease were given a Fitbit to track their physical activity levels. Researchers found that the patients who were more physically active had fewer hospitalizations, fewer surgeries, and lower healthcare costs. This study highlights the potential impact wearable tech devices can have to improve healthcare outcomes.
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center COPD Pilot Program
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center implemented a pilot program in which patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were given a smartwatch to monitor their vital signs. The device was used to detect early warning signs of exacerbations, allowing healthcare providers to intervene before the patient required hospitalization. This program reduced hospitalizations by 60% and generated an estimated $700,000 in healthcare savings.
Novartis and Propeller Health’s Asthma Monitoring Program
Novartis and Propeller Health partnered to develop a platform to monitor asthma patients’ inhaler usage and environmental triggers. The platform incorporated a smart inhaler and a mobile app, allowing healthcare providers to monitor their patients’ adherence rates and identify environmental triggers that may exacerbate their symptoms. This program improved medication adherence rates by 58% and reduced asthma attacks by 48%.
Challenges of Wearable Tech in Healthcare
Despite the potential benefits of wearable technology in healthcare, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Here are some of the main challenges:
Data Privacy and Security
Wearable tech devices collect vast amounts of personal data. Healthcare providers need to ensure that this data is secure and only used for its intended purposes. Patients need to have control over their data and decide who can access it.
Accuracy and Reliability
Wearable tech devices’ accuracy and reliability need to be validated to ensure that data is accurate and reliable. The devices need to be calibrated correctly and validated in clinical studies.
Cost and Access
Wearable tech devices can be expensive, and not all patients can afford them. Additionally, not all patients have access to the internet and smartphone technology to access the devices’ full functionality.
The Future of Wearable Tech in Healthcare
Despite the challenges, wearable technology is an exciting area of healthcare delivery that has the potential to revolutionize the industry. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more personalized and innovative wearable tech devices that improve healthcare outcomes.
Conclusion
Overall, wearable technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery by providing real-time, continuous monitoring of vital signs, reducing hospitalization time, improving overall health outcomes, and decreasing healthcare costs. As the challenges of wearable tech are addressed, we can expect to see more personalized and innovative wearable tech devices in healthcare.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about the power of wearable tech in healthcare. See you again in another interesting article.
