An Overview of Wearable Medical Device Applications

Abstract

Technological advancements have led to the development of wearable devices that can be integrated into everyday accessories, clothing, or be attached to the skin. These devices serve as electronic monitoring tools that wirelessly synchronize with smartphones or computers for long-term data tracking. Wearable devices find applications not only in healthcare but also in sports and clothing industries, allowing for easy tracking of various tasks and storing personal data. The increasing adoption of wearable technologies offers benefits such as improved clinical trials, reduced healthcare costs, and better control of health. The development of computer systems and technologies like IoT, artificial intelligence, and Bluetooth has further advanced the integration and practicality of wearable devices. The devices now range from smart eyeglasses to glucose monitors, enabling measurements of clinical findings, overall fitness, and quality of life. The applications of wearable devices can be categorized into individual measurement devices for personal health monitoring and advanced patient tracking systems for use under healthcare professionals' supervision. The data collected by wearable devices can help compare different treatments and improve their effectiveness. Moreover, wearable technologies have gained importance during the COVID-19 pandemic for remote patient monitoring and social isolation. In the future, wearable devices are expected to play a crucial role in providing personalized preventive health services based on the data they collect. The review article aims to provide a general understanding of wearable technologies that will continue to advance and address consumer needs, particularly in the healthcare field.