Smart Wearables in Medicine. What’s the Bottomline?

Magdalena Sroka, Content Writer
30.07.2024
Smart Wearables in Medicine Consonance blog
Most people associate smart wearables only with smartwatches or fitness trackers, but this is only a tip of an iceberg in possibilities where this technology can be used. These advanced electrical gadgets are designed to be worn on the user’s body. They are equipped with sensors and processors of various kinds which enables them to be connected with other devices as well as with the internet. It allows them to gather, analyze and exchange data in real time. In medicine it has found its use for monitoring health and condition, communication and for personal requirements.

Smart Wearables and Valuable Medical Features

Continuous monitoring

Smart wearable devices have gained popularity in recent years for a good reason. They enable continuous monitoring of physiological and biochemical parameters during exploitation, such as: heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, posture or body temperature. These seemingly basic measurements can provide valuable information for both the user and the physician, especially since they are presented in real-time and past data is stored in the memory of the connected device. The continuous monitoring function becomes particularly useful in the context of preventative medicine. It allows for the early detection of health issues and a prompt response to them. On one hand, a physician can review precise historical data and tailor an appropriate strategy, while on the other hand, the patient can monitor their health, allowing for more personalized care.

Managing chronic diseases

Awareness of one’s health status is crucial in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular diseases. For these conditions, it is essential to monitor parameters like blood glucose levels, respiratory parameters, detecting irregularities in heart rhythm (such as those occurring with atrial fibrillation), or in the case of asthma, predicting attacks.

Telemedicine

In addition to numerous microprocessors and sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes responsible for data collection, smart wearable devices are equipped with technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC. These technologies enable communication with other devices and the transmission of data to mobile applications and cloud. This directly translates to convenience for patients, as a number of office visits can be reduced while the doctor still remains informed about the patient’s condition.
Smart Wearables | CTG telemedicine

Smart Wearables | CTG telemedicine

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy

Prevention is not the only important aspect. Equally important, if not more so, is rehabilitation. The correctness and consistency of performed exercises are significant factors in the recovery process. When supervision by a physiotherapist is not possible, using a smart wearable device that can indicate postural issues or balance disturbances can be a good solution. For individuals who are post-operative, recovering from a stroke, or have various injuries, such an enhancement in health care can improve the quality of their recovery.

MedTech Smart Wearables Challenges 

Privacy and data security

Smart wearables offer many benefits, but their development and use also come with different challenges, including privacy and data security. Since these devices are designed to collect, store, and analyze personal data, they must be properly secured to prevent misuse or theft. The previously mentioned technologies, such as Bluetooth or NFC, used for transmitting measurements, can expose the data to interception by unauthorized persons. This is also an ethical issue, as it can lead to access to diverse user information, ranging from location to daily habits (sleep, physical activity, stress levels).

Accuracy and credibility of the measurements

The sensors used in these electronics may not always be precise or sensitive enough to detect changes occurring in the body. This can lead to measurement deviations and, consequently, incorrect conclusions about the individual’s health status. Despite advanced algorithms that are highly accurate, it is better to consult the data obtained with these devices with specialists to ensure the results are useful and reliable. Regular calibration and validation of the devices are also necessary to maintain their accuracy and effectiveness.

Regulatory compliance for smart wearables

For a gadget to become a medical device and be intended for medical use, it must meet a set of stringent regulations and standards. Obtaining certification (FDA in USA, CE in Europe) is often an onerous process for manufacturers due to its time-consuming nature and cost. It also requires numerous clinical trials, but at the same time, it provides valuable information about the device’s accuracy. An additional advantage of obtaining medical device status is the trust from both patients and doctors that the instrument is safe and effective, making them more likely to use it.

Interoperability and integration

One of the main features that have led to widespread use of smart wearables is their compatibility with other devices. Since different operating systems and platforms are used, seamless data transfer and integration with other tools can be challenging. Moreover, when creating such solutions, it is important to consider the lack of uniform standards for data formats and communication protocols. This affects the ability to connect and analyze data from diverse sources successfully.

Acceptance from users

Ensuring a user-friendly experience is crucial for encouraging long-term engagement and consistent data collection. It will be used effectively only if wearables are intuitive and easy to operate. Complicated interfaces can discourage users, and this must be considered when designing the final version of the software. User feedback during the development process can also help identify usability issues and improve the overall design.

Trends and different applications

Recently, there has been a noticeable development in smart wearables, which has led to the discovery of other valuable applications in medicine. However, these solutions are still being implemented and need refinement and the gaining of trust and credibility from doctors and patients. Here are a few of them:
  • Fall Identification: Fall in old age can cause more harm than in younger individuals. By understanding movement patterns, this technology can identify a fall or a seizure and warn the user next time.
  • Weight Control:  An increasing number of people are overweight. For certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes, monitoring one’s weight is important. Smart wearables can help with weight control by increasing physical activity, showing calories burned and calculating energy requirements.
  • Mental Health Observation: This is a relatively new approach for these types of devices. By using machine learning techniques, it is possible to detect stress levels using audio and heart rate data.

Summary

Smart wearables have revolutionized the way we monitor and manage health, offering a range of applications from preventive care to rehabilitation. Designing them involves tackling many issues such as appropriate software, measurements accuracy, data security, and regulatory compliance.  Despite the challenges, the potential benefits are substantial. With continuous improvements and the growing trust of both patients and healthcare providers, these devices are set to become an integral part of modern medicine, enhancing the quality of care and patient outcomes. Are you stuck on any of these challenges? Feel free to contact us! Sources: Himss, Techtarget
Magdalena Sroka Content Writer Consonance
Magdalena Sroka
Content Writer
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