Wearable tech refers to electronic devices worn on the body (or attached to clothes, accessories or other objects) that monitor a range of parameters including heart rate, distance travelled, sleep pattern and activity levels. These sensors can be accessed by mobile devices that allow individuals to interpret data and facilitate positive behavior changes.
However, there are a number of barriers that can hinder the uptake and success of these technologies – particularly those that collect sensitive health data. These include concerns with accuracy, device durability, cost, power consumption and standardization.
Despite these limitations, the potential benefits of wearables are significant. They can provide individuals with a more proactive approach to their health and wellbeing, promoting a shift from passive care to active patient engagement. They can also empower patients, encouraging them to self-manage their health, and enabling them to identify early warning signs and arrange medical consultations with their doctor.
Furthermore, wearables can promote positive behaviour change through the ability to set goals, receive motivational reminders and track progress. They can also help preserve a sense of dignity by providing an alternative to more privacy intrusive testing procedures such as ECG. More recently, the development of epidermal skin technology has provided the opportunity to embed sensors directly into the body, enabling users to monitor their own physical well-being without having to reveal any personal information. However, such a device would be likely to carry additional concerns around privacy and ethical considerations.