Assessment of Smartwatch Device Utility in The United States Healthcare System

Authors

Golda Sobol, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

PEAM - Administrative Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Larry Herman, DMSc, MPA, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the value of commercially available wearable wireless smartwatch technology in today’s healthcare. Patient and provider acceptance, data accuracy, interoperability, device accessibility, and data privacy will also be addressed.

Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted with search terms “commercial wearables” and “smartwatch” filtered to the last four years, as technology evolves quickly. The search yielded 212 hits; pertinent peer-reviewed articles will serve as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: There is abundant information regarding wearable watch devices on the topics of accuracy, patient acceptance, privacy, and utility in healthcare. However, there is very limited information about commercial wearables in clinical application.

Conclusion: Usage of commercial wearables is trending upward in society. The utility of this miniature computer, with sensors, is virtually limitless in healthcare. Common smartwatches on the commercial market today advertise the ability to capture and report vital signs, heart arrhythmias, hard falls, wellness status, and more as the list continues to grow. However, significant barriers such as consistent accuracy of the modalities in clinical trials, data privacy, and healthcare provider acceptance first must be overcome.

KEY POINTS

1. To educate the target audience about current state of wearable watches in healthcare;
2. To provide the audience with an understanding of the barriers in introducing the widespread use of this technology; and,
3. To educate the target audience about potential pitfalls with commercial smartwatch in healthcare.

Recommended Citation

Sobol G. Assessment of Smartwatch Device Utility in The United States Healthcare System. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(2).