Do wearables of today keep the doctor away?

Wearables technology is changing the game in the healthcare industry. A watch, which was once viewed as a device that simply tells time, is now so much more. Today's fitness trackers, smart watches and bracelets can now provide information on a person's heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, ECG, and fitness and sleep data. As such, healthcare facilities are now using these devices to monitor patients' status in a more efficient manner. Patients who use health wearables are spared the time and effort in terms of regularly visiting clinics.

Wearables aren't just a fad anymore – they're becoming a healthcare necessity, especially in older American adults aged 55 and above. According to an eMarket report posted by Mobile Marketing, Americans who are 55 and older use wearables the most compared to other age groups. The convenience of being able to track their blood pressure, sleep, vital signs and being able to get real time updates on other facets of their health makes it appealing to this consumer demographic. Seniors who don't always have someone to check these pieces of information for them won't have to head to the nearest clinic to do so. Furthermore, with their built-in notifications, wearables can remind seniors to take their medications on the dot.

Transportation expenses, travel time, uneasiness in healthcare facilities are some of the reasons why patients, when asked, prefer to use wearables instead of frequenting clinics. In Fierce Healthcare's survey, "64 percent said they would utilize a wearable health monitoring device if it meant it could reduce the number of times they had to physically visit a doctor or hospital." The demand for wearables is clear as patients prefer to use them for convenience instead of heading to clinics. Fierce Healthcare also mentions HIMSS and AT&T's survey that "47 percent of hospitals are providing wearables to patients with chronic diseases and are also conducting remote monitoring via in-home medical devices and smartphone apps." Thus, costs are reduced since patients don't have to go medical facilities from time to time. Health wearables are already aiding physicians when treating patients.

This set up not only helps patients but physicians as well because of several advantages. Using patients' wearables, physicians can create plans and programs based on the information sent by these devices in real time. Because smart wearables monitor patients' heart rates, doctors are aided in detecting abnormalities and diseases patients may have. For instance, wearables with EKG function can help doctors diagnose patients with heart arrhythmia. A decade ago, patients still had to step foot in a doctor's office just for an electrocardiogram appointment. Now, wearables can do this task in seconds, as elaborated in a Fox report.

Indeed, the use of wearables is already becoming a game changer in healthcare and it will continue to do so as technology progresses even further.

Browse through these health devices top picks on Global Sources:

Medical adapter with USB port

Company: FranMar International Inc.

The FRM06-S05-IS_3.1model is a 6W medical power supply with OVP, OLP and short-circuit protection. US, EU, AUS and UK output available.

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Electric toothbrush cleans teeth, face

Company: Immer Technology(Shenzhen) Co. Ltd

This electric toothbrush, the M2-1 model has an IPX6-rated body. The unit has four cleaning modes namely clean mode, white mode, facial clean mode and massage mode.

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Monitors heart rate continuously

Company: Shenzhen Ardemer Technology Co. Ltd

The model Z21 Plus-01 IP67-rated smart bracelet adopts 24h continuous heart rate monitoring. The device can sync with a smartphone and send call and message notifications.

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Keeps track of kids' location

Company: Shenzhen Motto Electronics Co. Ltd

This IP67-rated smart watch for kids, the E01-22model incorporates an SOS button, which can be pressed for emergencies.

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Full screen GPS smart watch

Company: Shenzhen Smart Care Technology Ltd

The model SMA-M1-C-8984 smart watch measures the user’s heart rate and allows for calls.

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Smart watch for women

Company: Shenzhen Colmi Technology Co.Ltd

Adopting 175-degree edge design the model SKY2-6 smart watch monitors heart rate and shows call notifications.

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Non-contact infrared thermometer

Company: Shenzhen Everbest Machinery Industry Co. Ltd

The DT-8806Hmodel measures a person's temperature regardless of room temperature.

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Has 6 natural sound options

Company: Componex Electronics Co. Ltd

This sound therapy machine, the PXH04-4256 model incorporates sound masking technology and an autotimer.

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Monitors sleep quality

Company: Quality Technology Industrial Co. Ltd

The Comfort model is a smart sleeping assistant that can also track a user's heart and breath rate. It integrates red, yellow, blue and greed LED indicators.

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