How modern wearables are bridging the healthcare gap for people with chronic conditions

More people own wearable devices, and since interest in personal health increases, wearable technology is making a bold entrance into the healthcare industry, thanks to the mass availability of advanced technology and services powering wearables.

While the difference between consumer wearables and medical technology fades, the former is becoming a valuable consumer asset. However, businesses, consumers, and healthcare providers leverage the tech en-masse to bridge the gaps in healthcare for people with medical conditions.

1. Wearables in Long-Term Healthcare

Long-term care often creates a gap between at-home monitoring and intensive care in hospital settings. Most long-term care facilities and nursing homes are understaffed and often struggle with the patient influx, high rates of preventable errors, and medical events. This affects patients and immediate family and lowers facility revenues due to higher costs.

Studies show that most of these facilities have acute staffing shortages. The COVID-19 pandemic also made the situation worse since it’s been overlooked for a long time. Efforts to provide sufficient care for seniors and high-risk patients fueled the transformation. Wearables have become a top option providing healthcare staff to mass monitor patients, get medical alerts, and act when necessary.

2. Efficient Healthcare Services and Higher Cost Savings

Wearable technology is set to help the healthcare industry save hundreds of billions over the next decade. The savings stem from the enhanced predictive capabilities of the technology. Combining artificial intelligence with wearable technology can predict various heart conditions before the onset of clinical signs. This allows patients to look for effective and cheaper solutions. Higher effectiveness and prognosis mean patients can avoid long and expensive procedures.

Most importantly, the advanced approach helps patients identify potential ailments before onset while reducing hospital medical costs. Managers in healthcare organizations can use the technology to minimize operating costs, while other sectors can leverage wearable-based insurance for employees. In addition, insurance companies can integrate wearables in their insurance packages to encourage healthy behaviors and fewer claims.

3. Chronic Disease Management and Medication Adherence

Wearable health devices discussed in this Telus review can monitor your biometrics like heart rate, ECG, and respiration rates. The monitor transmits the data to a doctor to help generate real-time health insights, especially when the patient is in the ambulatory care setting.

Respiratory conditions management devices are attachments that offer feedback on medication intake, environmental triggers, and symptoms. The technology helps with medication and the prevention of asthma attacks.

Smart bandages use sensors to monitor severe wounds that need prolonged care, including diabetic ulcers, burns, and bed sores. The bandage system delivers medicine and monitors healing progress by measuring temperature and oxygen levels.

Similarly, smart wireless medicine bottles can fit on prescription bottles and use technology to enhance and track medication adherence. They send alerts and reminders to enhance physician collaboration.

Endnote

Wearable technology offers invaluable solutions transforming the healthcare industry with various patient care devices. Ultimately, healthcare wearables will be an evolving product segment in the medical devices industry –which is going through a series of rapid innovations. Regardless of the current pace, product developers and healthcare service providers must embrace wearable technology to improve healthcare service delivery.

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