How are the Wearable Technologies Changing the Healthcare Scenario in India?

Technological advancements have penetrated into all industries and the trend is gaining widespread attention in the healthcare domain as well. Innovative technology and devices have completely transformed the way healthcare services and management work. Tech innovations like wearables and IoMT have stirred up revolutionary changes to the healthcare system, bringing in new possibilities of patient care and healthcare delivery. Everything from real-time tracking of patient health to crucial medical information sharingis made possible through the emergence of wearable technology.

The medical and healthcare sector today has started recognizing the role of innovation and is reaping the benefits of these latest technologies. With the younger generation demanding newer innovations, wearables are an ideal market with limitless potential in the healthcare industry. Today, there is a wide range of wearable devices available in the market, ranging from watches and glasses to footwear. With the widespread use of wireless connectivity and low cost of sensors, it has become possible for the wearable technology to go mainstream. Also, more investors and new start-ups are ready to fund this technology due to the broad spectrum of options available in these wearable devices.

It is estimated that 70 percent of the healthcare organizations will willingly invest in innovative technologies, including wearables, medical apps, remote monitoring and real-time virtual care systems in the coming times. Smart watches, fitness devices, smart shoes, and smart lenses are ready to take off the marketplace aggressively for their overall effectiveness and data sharing ability. Indeed, wearables are designed to make everyday routine more efficient, more effective for patients and healthcare providers. Moreover, with this technology, it is easier to collect, monitor, and analyze the recorded data for making healthy changes to the lifestyle. For its ease of use and efficiency, there is a dramatic surge in the production and use of wearables in the healthcare industry, revolutionizing various processes/functions in the health front.

Besides, we can expect an immense increase in the number and type of wearables soon to be available in the market to monitor various health vitals and conditions. As a result, healthcare organizations have started embracing the possibilities in the wearable technology to harness health data and drive efficiency of healthcare services to the consumers.

Way to Improved Patient Care:

The use of wearable technologies in the healthcare space generally includes tracking of fitness levels, sleeping patterns, and other vitals through interconnected modules and mobile apps that provide solutions to effective patient care. This technology is making every task easier and simpler for the patients and healthcare providers, whether it is tracking patient’s data, staying updated on patient vitals, or keeping track of the checkups and treatments. Wearables, when connected with cloud servers, can give backend support for healthcare providers in getting information aboutpatient health from their previous treatment records, medications, and health signs. With wearables providing 24/7 patient-monitoring, it is possible for clinicians to get real-time updates on patient conditions, particularly for critical patients and elderly. Although wearable technology is not being used in mainstream, it is advancing steadily to gain strong grounds in the medical sector for providingimproved patient care.

Embracing IOT:

As the technology of wearables is popularizing the Internet of Things, it is possible that more and more patients and healthcareproviders will start relying on it. IoMT will enable transforming of big data into relevant information for actionable insights. Besides, wearables, when combined with IoMT, are providing the liberty for patients to track and monitor their own health. As the wearable technology is embracing the concept of IoMT, there is a huge possibility for future developments in the field, which would subsequently create a significant impact in the coming years.

Ease of Remote Monitoring:

Remotely monitored patient care is becoming the trend, particularly for older people and critical patients who require extreme care. Remote monitoring, fueled bywearable technology,has proved to be of great help in efficiently monitoring health parameters and relaying these vital signs and stats to the healthcare providers over the cloud servers. Critically ill patients can be monitored with clinical IoMT wearables and fitness sensorsthat keep track of heart rate, blood glucose, blood pressure, etc.constantly, thereby avoiding frequent trips and re-admissions to hospitals. For the benefit of remote patient care and reduced hospital admissions, healthcare facilities are starting to adopt this wearable technology right away.

Driven by the changing demographics and increasing disease burden, there is a rising demand for chronic health management in today’s healthcare space. As a result, the need for constant monitoring and regular check-ups are on the rise, which is consequently increasing the demand for wearable technology, thus providing a steadyground for the wearables market to enter the mainstream healthcare sector.

No doubt, the swiftlychanging healthcare scenario in India will embrace innovative technology to a greater extent, and particularly, the popularity of wearables is sure to make a serious impact, changing the conventional relationship between patients and healthcare providers for good.