The Rise of Healthcare Wearable Technology
Healthcare wearable technology is rapidly transforming how we approach health monitoring, offering real-time data that was once only available during in-person medical appointments. From smartwatches to fitness trackers, these devices provide continuous tracking of vital health metrics, empowering both consumers and healthcare providers to make more informed decisions about health and fitness. However, as these tools become increasingly integrated into patient care, several crucial challenges and concerns must be addressed.
These wearable technologies, which are electronic devices worn on the body, measure health-related metrics such as heart rate and daily activity levels. While they offer significant benefits, including encouraging healthier lifestyles, personalizing treatment, and improving diagnostics, they also present challenges and potential risks that could hinder their positive impact. This article will delve into some of the most pressing issues.
Usability Issues: A Barrier to Adoption
A significant hurdle to the widespread adoption of healthcare wearable technology is the digital divide. This gap between those with access to technology and those with the digital literacy to readily use it poses a challenge, and it extends to wearable devices. One survey highlights that a considerable number of patients find these devices difficult to use. A January 2022 survey of 450 U.S. patients using medically prescribed wearable devices revealed that while a large majority (86%) reported improvements in their health and quality of life, fully 20% found their devices hard to use.
Furthermore, the survey found that a large percentage of patients who used devices requiring manual data entry experienced inaccurate data at some point. These inaccuracies stemmed from unclear instructions on inputting data, confusing device interfaces, or device malfunctions. More than half of the patients surveyed had to contact their doctor’s office to correct these issues. Such difficulties can significantly impact the adoption of wearable devices. A 2022 review of 20 studies noted that users might become frustrated by perceived inaccuracies, leading them to discontinue use. Improving device accuracy and overcoming barriers to usability are critical for sustained engagement with healthcare wearable technology.
Widening Healthcare Disparities
The digital divide and other social determinants of health can deepen healthcare inequities. Underserved and vulnerable communities may face obstacles to adopting and using healthcare wearable technology. For instance, research published in 2023 showed that while 42% of Americans with or at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) use these technologies, those at higher risk are less likely to use them.
Researchers examined 16,092 adults between 2017 and 2020, of whom 10,660 had or were at risk of CVD. The study found that people facing obesity and hypertension or who smoked reported lower use of smart devices to track health goals. Older people and men were also less likely to own or use smart devices, despite being more prone to develop CVD. This underscores the risk that certain populations may be left behind as wearable technology becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare.
Another 2023 study that evaluated 933 CVD patients found that Hispanic and Black patients are less likely to use healthcare wearables compared with their white counterparts. Pediatric populations also encounter similar gaps. A 2023 study found that pediatric patients from racial and ethnic minority groups wore wearable devices for significantly shorter periods than white patients. This gap in device adoption may be caused by device development. A 2022 article highlighted biases in the design of wearable devices and sensors, stemming from a lack of diverse study populations.
The article noted that demographic analyses of studies using wearable devices revealed a tendency to enroll white participants disproportionately. Additionally, healthcare wearable technology, such as Apple Watches and Fitbits, often use green light signaling through photoplethysmography (PPG), which may not work as well on people with darker skin tones. Researchers explain that blood absorbs green light, allowing the device to measure the volume of blood present and the user’s heart rate. However, skin tone affects light absorption, which could result in inaccurate measurements for individuals with darker skin tones. Further, research has found that readings from arterial blood oxygen and pulse oximeters often differ between Black and white patients, prompting the FDA to release improved accuracy guidelines.
Potential Negative Impacts on Health
While most stakeholders view healthcare wearable technology as a positive development, research has pointed out potential downsides that could negatively affect health. A 2024 study revealed that wearable device use is associated with the pathological monitoring of symptoms and excessive preoccupation with symptoms among patients with heart disease.
The study involved 172 patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and found that 83 used a healthcare wearable device between December 1, 2022, and February 27, 2023. Researchers discovered that a number of wearable device users felt anxious or concerned in response to the device alerts for high or low heart rates and that they often contacted their doctors in response to irregular rhythm notifications. Wearable users also reported checking their heart rates or using electrocardiograms more frequently. Furthermore, healthcare service use to treat AFib was significantly higher among wearable users. Healthcare providers also have voiced their concerns about the integration of wearable technology data into patient care. While consumers believe that integrating this data would encourage better habits, healthcare providers worry that it will create distance between them and patients.
Providers noted that wearable technology can create healthcare information from sources other than the patient, disrupting the crucial provider-patient relationship. Additionally, the widespread availability of data could complicate the traditional hierarchy of specialist information processing and provide information to healthcare consumers out of context.
Data Privacy and Security Risks
Data privacy and security remain among the most pervasive concerns surrounding healthcare wearable technology. A 2022 survey found that 40% of healthcare consumers are worried about data security concerning their wearable devices. Likewise, a 2023 survey revealed that a significant number of respondents did not want to share their device data with their physicians, citing privacy concerns and the risk of data breaches. These concerns are valid.
In 2021, a data breach exposed the fitness tracker records of 61 million Apple and Fitbit users online. The breach occurred at a health and wellness company that unified wearable device, medical device, and app data. The database lacked password protection, and the information was identifiable. Furthermore, it is unclear how HIPAA applies to healthcare wearable technology, particularly in commercial settings. Researchers noted that data generated outside of FDA oversight or used commercially might not be covered under HIPAA regulations, which could raise privacy risks.
Conclusion
As healthcare wearable technology becomes more common, it is essential for providers and consumers to address the challenges and risks to capture the diverse benefits these technologies can offer.
