Conference Sessions The Wonders of Wearables in Healthcare

At the end of the session, the participant will be able to better address the following questions regarding “wearables” in the patient care setting(s):
How are we defining wearables? What makes them different?
What are some current and emerging trends with wearables?
What is the role of the HTM manager?
How to go about assessing the technology and its acquisition?
How to ensure technology integration and support?
What information security and data privacy concerns are there?
How to create an ROI for wearables in patient care?

The use of wearables in the hospital environment has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. These devices offer numerous benefits for both patients and healthcare professionals.

One key advantage of wearables in the hospital setting is their ability to continuously monitor patients’ vital signs. This real-time data can be transmitted to healthcare providers, allowing for early detection of any abnormalities or changes in a patient’s condition. This can lead to quicker intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Wearables can also enhance patient engagement and empowerment. By providing individuals with access to their health data, wearables can encourage patients to take an active role in managing their health. This can lead to increased adherence to treatment plans and better overall health outcomes, both in and out of the hospital setting.

For all of the benefits, however, it is important to note that there are challenges associated with the use of wearables in patient care. Accuracy and usability are paramount to patient safety. Privacy and security concerns must be addressed to ensure the confidentiality of patient data. Additionally, healthcare professionals need to be trained on how to effectively interpret and utilize the data generated by wearables.

This presentation will cover both the benefits and challenges associated with the incorporation of wearable technologies in patient care, both in and out of the hospital. Healthcare Technology Management professionals have the role to ensure the safe and effective introduction of these technologies so that all stakeholders may realize the benefits of wearables used for patient care.