Technology has been integral in the way we live our lives, and healthcare is no exception. Wearable tech has opened up new possibilities in the way we monitor our own health and well-being, with devices such as FitBits, smartwatches, and wearable glucose monitors. Now, sensors can alert individuals with diabetes when their blood sugar is getting low; additionally, smart contact lenses have given the vision-impaired community the opportunity to see.
The application of wearable tech in healthcare is a rapidly growing industry. In the past four years, the use of wearable technology has more than tripled, with consumers increasingly interested in monitoring their own health and vital signs. Furthermore, demand for wearable devices is expected to continue to rise in the coming years as consumers show interest in sharing their health data with providers and insurers.
Here is a look at the various wearable devices and smart devices that are being used in healthcare today. We will highlight some of the most popular wearable technologies being used in healthcare, as well as their potential to revolutionize the medical industry.
CGM Sensors
For people with type 1 diabetes, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors can provide 24/7 monitoring to help them track their blood sugar and adjust accordingly. These sensors are typically placed under the skin on the arm or stomach, and the wireless transmitters send the data to an external monitor. Healthcare professionals can then use this data to make necessary medication adjustments. Professionals from a variety of fields, such as community health, public health, software development, and medicine, may work with individuals using these devices.
Electronic Skin Patches
Electronic skin patches are a great example of the latest advancement in healthcare wearables. These patches are applied directly to the skin, containing sensors and wireless transmitters that allow clinicians to access data remotely. Through this technology, healthcare professionals can monitor vital signs, deliver medications, provide wound care, and detect motion. This versatile wearable technology is useful in a variety of academic disciplines, including applied health sciences, health informatics, pharmaceuticals, and kinesiology.
PPG Sensors
Photoplethysmography (PPG) enables healthcare professionals to detect changes in the volume of blood flow to the heart in a non-invasive manner. By taking advantage of a light sensor, the device is able to track the flow of blood, providing the user with information about the heart rate. This technology is preferable to traditional ECG sensors due to its portability and the fact that it can be used even when the wearer is in motion. PPG sensors are regularly utilized by healthcare professionals to care for individuals with ailments such as hypertension and congestive heart failure, which often lead to irregularities in blood flow. As a result, there are many opportunities to work with this technology in the areas of software development, nursing, and applied health sciences.
Pregnancy and Newborn Monitors
Smart devices and wearables in the healthcare industry allow for 24/7 monitoring of both pregnant women and newborns. OBGYNs, neonatal nurses, and pediatricians are able to use pregnancy and newborn monitors to track heartbeats, breathing, movements, and sleep. These monitors provide real-time updates that allow healthcare professionals to detect potential problems earlier, preventing stillbirths and injuries. Those in obstetrics, nursing, or software development may have the opportunity to work with this type of technology.
Smart Contact Lenses
Smart contact lenses have multiple uses for people with vision issues or deterioration. With augmented reality technology, these lenses can magnify images and transmit them to a smartphone for clarified viewing. Additionally, they can track glucose levels, assist with light sensitivity, and provide medicine via the lens. Doctors of optometry use smart contact lenses to observe the eyes’ health and recognize eye conditions in early stages. Those in optometry, biosciences, and nursing are likely to work with this innovative technology.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches are rapidly evolving and providing healthcare professionals and their patients with early detection of potentially troubling symptoms. The newest of these devices offer various services such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, ECG sensors, stress management, and blood oxygen measurements, which can be sent directly to providers. Working with these devices requires knowledge and skills in medicine, nursing, and computer programming.
Wearable Drug Delivery
Healthcare has been quick to embrace remote care as a result of the pandemic, and wearable drug delivery technology fits into the narrative. There has been great progress in drug delivery systems and smart technology in recent times, allowing greater possibilities in terms of patient care, drug production, and treatment methods. The injectable drug delivery industry is estimated to grow by over 10% in the coming years. Examples of current wearable drug delivery technology include subcutaneous devices, wearable injectors, and needle-free injectors, which are used by doctors, nurses, and home healthcare workers.