Wearable tech includes a variety of devices that monitor and collect data about the body and surrounding environment. These can include fitness trackers (e.g., Apple Watch Series 2 and Samsung Galaxy Gear Sport) and smartwatches that come with built-in health monitoring functions; smart glasses that connect to smartphones to display digital information overlayed on the real world; and even microchip implants like those used to identify lost pets that transmit wirelessly to a smartphone app.
As technology improves, more and more wearables are becoming available. They’re not only changing our day-to-day lives but also influencing the business world, healthcare and the military. But while wearables offer exciting possibilities for the future, they also raise important concerns about privacy, affordability and reliability.
The evidence suggests that wearables can empower individuals by assisting with behavior change and self-monitoring [82]. However, greater adoption of these devices will require promotion and support from providers to encourage uptake, increased short-term investment to upskill staff to analyze the data generated and overcome barriers to use, such as device accuracy.
Wearables can be particularly useful for patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, or who have physical limitations that make it challenging to travel and access healthcare services. They can provide more accurate and timely data to support diagnosis, treatment decisions and monitor the impact of medications and treatments. They can also be used by first responders in emergency situations to help prevent overheating or other potentially life-threatening conditions, such as a heat stroke, caused by wearing heavy equipment.
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