mHealth Wearables Can Bolster Patient Empowerment, But Challenges Persist

A study published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth found that though the use of mHealth wearable technology provides several benefits, factors such as encouragement from providers and increased education are necessary for the technology to reach its full potential in transforming healthcare.

In modern healthcare, particularly in the last several years, wearable devices and technology use has grown. But further research regarding the extent to which patients are aware of its uses and benefits is needed.

In this study, researchers reviewed 20 external studies gathered from various databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. They found that wearables can empower users by assisting in the diagnosis process, changing patient behavior, and enhancing self-monitoring.

They also identified three main themes to consider to maximize the potential of wearable technology.

The first theme related to addressing the barriers associated with using wearables, which can often lead to healthcare disparities and data inaccuracies. The second takeaway was that providers play a key role in driving the use of wearables as they can help educate patients and raise awareness of the benefits of the technology. The third theme described the ability of wearables to change behavior in multiple ways, including reminders and positive reinforcement associated with progress tracking. 

"Acting on these suggestions will require investment and constructive input from key stakeholders, namely users, health care professionals, and designers of the technology," the study authors wrote. "As advancements in technology to make wearables viable health care devices have only come about recently, further studies will be important for measuring the effectiveness of wearables in empowering individuals. Researchers note that as technology advances, continued and constant evaluation of the effectiveness of devices is necessary."

Previous research on wearables shows mixed patient responses and inaccuracies in data.

Survey results published in March about consumer responses to wearables found that 20 percent of patients had trouble using them. Common downsides experienced when using wearable technology included security drawbacks, a decline in office visits leading to lower quality relationships with physicians, and inaccuracies when manually recording data.

Another study published in June found that inaccurate pulse oximeter results could lead to limited COVID-19 care access for minorities. Specifically, researchers observed that the blood oxygen readings by pulse oximeters in Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients are often inaccurate and led to a lack of eligibility for COVID-19 treatments.

Despite the concerns associated with wearables use, recent research has also shown that interest in the technology is growing, even among underserved populations.

For example, a study from April showed that 21 percent of patients who receive care at federally qualified health centers said they currently own a fitness tracker and more than half of those who don't have one want it.