Problem:
Wearable Technology for Monitoring Health and Chronic Conditions
Working in healthcare for more than 20 years has shown me how much technology has changed patient care. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant, Unit Clerk Manager, medical receptionist, and I have seen healthcare providers rely more on technology to monitor patients and improve health outcomes. I have also experienced the benefits personally. I have high blood pressure, monitor my blood glucose, and deal with ongoing back pain. Because of this, I use my smartwatch and smartphone every day to help me stay active, track my heart rate, monitor my exercise, and remind myself to keep moving.
In my opinion, wearable devices are very useful for monitoring daily health activities. Many smartwatches and fitness trackers can monitor physical activity, heart rate, sleep, and, when connected to compatible medical devices, blood glucose and blood pressure information. I use my watch to track my daily steps, walking distance, heart rate, and exercise. It also reminds me to stand up and stretch after sitting too long. Since I have completed physical therapy for my back, these reminders encourage me to continue the stretches and exercises that help reduce pain and stiffness. Seeing my progress on my phone motivates me to stay consistent with my health goals.
These devices also play an important role in helping people manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Monitoring my blood glucose has helped me pay closer attention to how my eating habits, physical activity, and stress affect my blood sugar levels. At the same time, keeping track of my heart rate and daily activity helps me stay focused on managing my high blood pressure. Instead of waiting until my next doctor's appointment, I can notice changes sooner and make healthier choices every day. This allows me to become more involved in managing my own health.
My healthcare experience has also shown me how wearable technology benefits patients receiving remote care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked on the provider side of telehealth. I contacted patients before their appointments, completed health screenings, documented information into the Electronic Health Record (EHR), and prepared providers for virtual visits. Many patients were able to report blood pressure readings, blood glucose values, pulse rates, weight, and physical activity from home. This gave providers a better picture of the patient's condition and helped them make informed treatment decisions without requiring an in-person visit. Remote monitoring is especially valuable for patients with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses because it allows providers to identify changes earlier and adjust treatment plans when needed.
Although wearable devices provide many benefits, protecting personal health information is very important. Most wearable devices send information wirelessly using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cloud-based applications. If these systems are not properly protected, personal health information could be vulnerable to unauthorized access or cyberattacks. Because I have worked with confidential patient information throughout my healthcare career, I understand the importance of privacy and security. Healthcare organizations and technology companies should use encryption, secure wireless connections, regular software updates, and multi-factor authentication to protect patient data. Users also have a responsibility to create strong passwords, update their devices regularly, and review privacy settings to help keep their information secure.
Overall, I believe wearable technology has become an important part of healthcare. These devices encourage people to stay active, monitor important health information, and become more involved in managing chronic conditions. Based on both my healthcare experience and my personal health journey, I have seen how tracking my physical activity, heart rate, blood glucose, and daily exercise has helped me make better decisions about my health. As wearable technology continues to improve, I believe it will continue to strengthen patient care, support healthcare providers, and improve the quality of life for people living with chronic medical conditions.
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