Wearable Internet of Things for Personalized Healthcare

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the advanced network infrastructure linked with inanimate and immobile objects to perform better tasks and activities efficiently. Lighting systems, sound interfaces, doors, etc. Some IoT-connected devices can process, store and transmit large data caches to the main module. Such data can be reviewed with authenticated access to apps, web links or specific browsers. 

Wearable IoT devices refer to devices worn on the body, like smartwatches and fitness trackers, connected to the internet and capable of collecting, storing, and sharing real-time data. The advancement in research and technological development has heralded the era of wearable technology, also known as the wearable Internet of Things (IOT). Everyone uses wearable technology to track and monitor their health, along with style factors. 

Wearable IOT devices are experiencing a surge in demand due to features like health tracking, early warning and predictive benefits. In a way, the technology has created a paradigm shift in health tracking and analysis. The deployment of IOT and wearables in healthcare has ensured that medical data can be easily extracted and shared in real time.

The wearable internet has completely altered how we keep track of personal health and lifestyle, with constant vigil over surrounding dynamics. Depending on the expert opinions and findings observed in reports collected from these wearable technologies, decisions can be made to alter lifestyle choices, behaviors, and attitudes. 

Wearable healthcare devices are must-have tech for health-obsessed individuals, as they contribute towards efficient health diagnosis and early warning. Some wearables have greatly helped save lives and the health of disabled consumers, elderlies and bolstered emergency medical interventions. Users adopt wearables to reveal their brand appeal while adding to personality and style accessories with these devices.    

History and Evolution of Wearables

The earlier prototypes of wearable devices include spectacles, wrist-watch, computers, mini transmitters, etc. There have been details such as the invention of the small computer to cheat during gambling by Edward Thorp and Claude Shannon in 1961. The calculator watch worn by Michael J. Fox’s character Marty McFly in the Back to the Future movie franchise is one of the identifiable wearable internet devices during the 1980s. 

Furthermore, the walkman (1980s), digital hearing aid (1987), heart monitor for athletes (1980s), wearable webcam (1994), Fitbit (2010s), Google Glass (2013), Apple watch (2015), Oculus virtual reality (VR) headset (2016), etc. are all considered internet of things wearables. Some of these devices were popular and active, while others like Oculus VR, failed to impress long-time users. However, Facebook company Meta has acquired and rebranded Oculus as Meta Quest to reinforce developing meta VR. These technologies combined the power of internet-enabled computers, cloud, big data, and ultra-fast processing into one system.     

There are much more research and development as well as experimentation being done in a bid to launch enhanced wearable internet. Some wearable innovations are seen in the products like Nadi x yoga pants, wearables to fix body posture, improve spine and back support, etc.

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Deployment of wearable IOT in healthcare

The IoT and wearable in healthcare sector have helped with the predictive assessment of health status, diagnosis and early detection, with easy share features. Patients suffering from long-term, chronic ailments are able to reap the maximum benefits of using Internet of Things wearables. The integration of this technology has helped them keep proactive and cost-efficient tabs on personal health with limited training.

Healthcare system deploys this wearable technology to keep track of patient’s blood sugar level, glucose, blood pressure, breathing count, heart rate, etc., and share their data for expert medical analysis without hassles. Adopting wearable internet technology in healthcare ensures convenient exchange and access to vital health statistics, boosts active monitoring and supports initiatives and diagnostic treatment.  

These collected data and statistics can be analyzed to plan and implement treatment strategies and handle similar cases in other areas. Healthcare professionals actively track calorie intakes, regular activities, and utilize advanced technological tools for precise body height and weight measurements. 

Use Cases of Wearables for Healthcare

Monitoring Vital Signs

The growing adoption of wearable devices in healthcare is constant updates and monitoring of vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, etc. and other vital signs. Healthcare system expertly leverages the perks of technology to monitor patients remotely, sudden changes in health factors, lifestyle, and intake of recommended medication. Based on the assessment, can modifications be made to diagnostic treatment and medication. Both parties can get mutual benefits with the adoption of wearable healthcare devices.

Fitness Tracking

The use of wearable devices is growing as fashion accessories along with effective health tracking. Fitness and physical health experts, beginners and enthusiasts take many advantages by using wearables like tracking sugar and glucose levels, calorie intake and burning, and sleep routines (with snores and random movement). 

Chronic Disease Management

Patients suffering from chronic diseases can use the technology to track physical well-being, send warning messages, and share updates with professionals. There is a possibility of swiftly controlling healthy engagement and personal engagement with technology.

Healthcare professionals special issue patients directives to regularly use wearable to check on their blood pressure remotely, sudden, irregular changes in heart-beat, nutritional diet intake, etc. Many times, the technology has played a crucial role in saving the life of a patient. Devices can be programmed to remind patients to take their medications, monitor symptoms, and alert healthcare providers if necessary.

Personalized healthcare 

Wearable technology is increasingly being adopted for personalized healthcare via integration with daily usable things like watches, smartphones, clothing, etc., which can conveniently record, save and send live analytics. These devices can be accessed and controlled via smartphone with intelligent connectivity per assigned parameters.

The assessment and access of personal health data can be used to make informed decisions about personal choices, lifestyle alteration, routine engagement, etc.

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Advantages

Some of the major advantages of using IoT and wearables are explained below:  

Continuous Health Monitoring

The biggest advantage of wearable devices is the ability to monitor health without disruption. With stable Internet access,  With these devices, individuals can continually track their health in real-time and share this information with their healthcare providers. For instance, heart and Parkinson’s patients can keep track of and assess their heart condition and deploy resourceful technology to alert and notify concerned authorities in case of sudden changes.

Personalized Health Data

With wearable technology, personalized health data can be recorded and shared.  Everyone is different in physical-mental aspects, so health data and statistics are also different. Also, in personalized healthcare, Depending on medical analysis, different treatment approaches, medications, and dosages are suggested to different patients, despite showing similar signs and symptoms. 

Treatment plans can be framed considering the nutritional intake, body glucose, sugar and calorie level of every individual. Each individual’s body is unique, and so is their health data. Wearable IoT devices provide personalized health data, allowing for better understanding and managing one’s health.

In a nutshell, some of the major advantages of wearable IoT in healthcare are: 

• Detection of early abnormalities
• Plan out preventive care strategies
• Cost-efficient health and lifestyle tracking
• Value of invested money
• Accurate health diagnosis with top-tier, expensive devices
• Endless development
• Secure encryption of health data
• Integration e-Public Health Information (e-PHI) and E-health
• Faster connectivity
• Boost physical and mental health support
• Assess the environment
• Easy and safe technology adoption

Disadvantages 

Some disadvantages of wearable IoT in healthcare include:

• Data and Information overload
• Not all wearables render valid, accurate, and reliable data
• Privacy concern
• Less security with cheaper devices and technology
• Possibility of loss of vital health information
• Detection and diagnosis are not absolute
• Limited features and capabilities
• Power supply and backup may not always be available 
• Weaker security in low-tier, cheaper apps and devices
• Continuous notifications and alerts can be distraction
• Bulky and tough interface
• Limited battery backup
• Battery may not be easily available
• Susceptible to easy breakage and damage

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Conclusion

Wearable IoT devices have revolutionized personalized healthcare through life-saving diagnostic assistance and early detection of various ailments. Thanks to advanced development and progress in wearable integration, real-time health data can be instantly shared with healthcare professionals to expedite medical intervention. The benefits of technology can be linked to streamlining personal healthcare and routine diagnosis with speed and HIPAA compliance.

The wearable technology market is expected to cross $30 billion by 2027, with exponential expansion and adoption. Along with the spike in technology adoption, awareness must be expanded to train ordinary people in appropriate ways to utilize wearables to keep tabs on their healthcare. Integrating devices with cell phones has further expanded the ease of use and improved access. With an innovative approach blended in with technology, healthcare work has further been enhanced.

There is no doubt for further technological advancement combined with affordability, reliability, and quality adoption. In parallel, services like CDR Writers Australia have emerged as valuable resources for engineers seeking skilled migration to countries like Australia. These specialized services understand the requirements of Engineers Australia and assist engineers in preparing comprehensive CDRs that showcase their engineering skills, experience, and professional growth effectively.

With multi-modal access, mass integrations, and support, wearable technology will be more sophisticated. There’s no doubt that personalized healthcare will get an extra boost with advanced wearable IoT devices. In addition to these developments, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest news and information on technology and gadgets.