5 Ways Wearable Technology is Revolutionizing Healthcare
Wearable technology has come a long way since their inception; these devices have evolved beyond step-counting and activity monitoring to become an integral part of the healthcare industry. The incorporation of these devices into healthcare has opened a door to an era of personalized healthcare where patients have more control over their health status than ever before. In this article, we explore five ways wearable technology is revolutionizing healthcare.
1. Patient Monitoring
Wearable technology enables patients to monitor their health beyond the hospital or clinic walls. With wearable gadgets such as ECG monitors, blood pressure monitors, and blood glucose monitors, patients can track their vitals in real-time. Patients can also share this information with their healthcare providers for personalized care management.
Subsequently, wearable devices have revolutionized chronic disease management by allowing patients to take their care into their hands. For example, wearable insulin pumps enable automated insulin delivery in diabetic patients, which eliminates the need for frequent injections. Similarly, continuous glucose monitoring helps patients manage their blood sugar levels better by providing timely alerts and notifications.
The real-time information provided by wearable devices also aid in the early detection of symptoms, making it easier for healthcare professionals to intervene before conditions worsen.
2. Remote Diagnosis and Treatment
Telemedicine has become more prevalent in recent years, and wearable technology has played an integral role in its growth. Patients in remote locations can use wearable devices to transmit vital signs and diagnostic information to healthcare professionals, which allows doctors to diagnose and treat a range of conditions remotely.
For example, wearable technology enables patients with neurological conditions such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s to receive remote diagnostic help through data monitoring and digital consultations. This has opened access to care for patients living in remote areas, ultimately improving health outcomes.
3. Medication Adherence
Patients often forget to take their medication as prescribed, leading to treatment failure or medication side-effects. Wearable devices such as smartwatches and other medical wearables can remind patients to take medication and track their adherence to treatment protocols.
These devices come equipped with notifications, reminders, and automated systems to ensure patients take the right medication at the right time. This helps in reducing the number of hospital admissions due to treatment non-adherence and helps patients stick to their prescribed course of treatment.
4. Surgical Procedures
Wearable technology has made surgical procedures less complicated and risky, with unique gadgets that give surgeons enhanced precision and control. For example, robotic surgical systems enable doctors to perform surgeries with the help of a robot remotely. This improves surgical outcomes for patients and lessens the risk of post-operative complications.
Similarly, AR and VR technologies have been useful in helping healthcare providers visualize and conduct surgeries accurately. Surgeons can use wearable devices such as head-mounted displays to view medical imaging and plan surgeries beforehand. This allows for improved surgical outcomes and reduces the chances of complications.
5. Improved Lifestyle Management
Wearable technology has made it easier for users to track and monitor their physical activity, sleep, diet, and stress levels. By doing so, these devices have become an integral part of lifestyle management for a range of health conditions, such as obesity, hypertension, and heart conditions.
Wearable technology provides continuous feedback to users on their lifestyle habits, helping them make more informed decisions and improve their health. Additionally, wearable technology has made it easier for healthcare professionals to monitor the efficacy of lifestyle interventions and make necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Wearable technology has revolutionized healthcare by introducing personalized, remote, and proactive care management for patients. From patient monitoring and remote diagnosis to improved lifestyle management, wearable technology has transformed how healthcare providers deliver care to their patients. Going forward, wearables will continue to play a significant role in healthcare, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
