Wearable technology such as FitBits and smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular in society and there is no sign that the trend of wearable health tech is going to slow down. The number of people that want to monitor their own health is growing with more than 80 percent of consumers willing to wear fitness or health technology. The demand has created a booming market and companies and insurers alike are beginning to understand the benefit of supplying wearable health technology.
Most wearable devices in health care collect the data of the users’ personal exercise and health. The sensors track physical health and heart rate and can be synced to various phone apps. Popular wearable tech has expanded into much more cutting edge consumer electronics in recent years with products that are much more capable than the original smartwatch.
There are a plethora of benefits that come with wearable healthcare technology. For instance, often, hospitals are charged penalty fees if there is an excess of readmissions for certain patients, such as people with heart failure. However, when providers begin utilizing these remote monitoring tools they can often reduce the cost of managing chronic conditions.
Here are a few of the new and emerging wearable medical devices.
AI Medical Monitor
Current Health, a company that spans from Edinburgh to San Francisco, has created a wearable device that measures multiple vital signs. The technology has been approved by the FDA for at-home use by patients. The wireless AI monitor measures a patient’s respiration, temperature, mobility, oxygen saturation, and pulse. Furthermore, it provides physicians with real-time updates which allows them to handle any issues promptly. The device is frequently used by people with heart failure and COPD.
Wearable Peritoneal Dialysis Device
AWAK Technologies, a Singapore based medical technology company has just received FDA Breakthrough Device designation for their dialysis device The AWAK Peritoneal dialysis device makes the peritoneal dialysis process convenient. Peritoneal dialysis is common in treating kidney failure and uses hemodialysis as a treatment method. However, this method requires patients to attend a dialysis center which can be a major inconvenience. Now, with the new wearable device, the patient can have more control over their situation, allowing dialysis to be performed on the go. (The method still requires supervision.)
Sweat Sensors
Researchers have recently developed waterproof sweat sensors. The bandage-like device tells the wearer when they need to replenish fluids and electrolytes. Even when swimming, the patch can collect and analyze perspiration. A lot of chemistry that is going on in the body appears in sweat. The sweat sensor contains tiny pores underneath that allow sweat to penetrate and then recognize if hydration is needed. Athletes can use the device, no matter what type of environment they are exercising in.
This blog was originally published on Thomas Looby's website.
