Digital technology has revolutionized the ways we can monitor our health on a daily basis. From smartwatches to portable ECGs, digital health devices provide instant feedback, allow remote sharing with clinicians, and generate big data to improve medical knowledge. Here are some of the most exciting new innovations in digital health monitoring technology.
Wearable Continuous Glucose Monitors
For people with diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial. The latest wearable continuous glucose monitors like those from Dexcom and Abbott take the hassle out of fingerprick tests. A small sensor inserted under the skin tracks glucose levels 24/7 and sends alerts to a smartphone or smartwatch app. Patients get real-time feedback whenever levels swing too high or low. Doctors can even remotely access the data.
Smart Clothing with Biometric Sensors
Clothing is getting smarter as companies like Hexoskin and Athos integrate biometric sensors into workout clothes. Athos fitness wear includes EMG sensors embedded in leggings and shorts to track muscle activity. The Hexoskin smart shirt measures heart rate variability, breathing rate, movement and more. The sensors sync to apps to provide insights on sleep quality, activity levels, workout metrics and cardiac health.
Wearable ECG and EKG Monitors
Instead of bulky in-office tests, compact wearable ECG monitors like the Apple Watch 4 and KardiaMobile 6L from AliveCor allow anyone to take clinical-grade electrocardiograms anytime. Users simply place their finger on the sensor or wear a band around the chest. These devices can identify arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation, providing earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Multimodal Temperature Sensors
New contactless sensors like the Vivalnk Biometric Patch can continuously measure skin temperature at multiple points on the body. This lets them track inflammation, fevers, and infections with greater accuracy than single-point thermometers. The data can alert clinicians to early signs of health conditions manifesting beneath the skin.
Portable Ultrasound Scanners
Ultrasound technology is shrinking down into handheld devices perfect for home use. Butterfly iQ is an ultrasound scanner that simply attaches to an iPhone, providing high-resolution imaging. Users can visualize internal organs, muscles, tendons and even blood vessels from the comfort of home, with results instantly shareable with their doctor.
AI-Powered Health Analytics
Devices like the Oura Ring not only track metrics like heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate, but use AI to provide insights. The accompanying app interprets the data to generate personalized health recommendations concerning sleep, activity, illness risk and more. Other apps like Ada Health serve as AI-driven health companions that handle symptom checks and triage.
Digital health monitoring also benefits healthcare professionals. Doctors can remotely monitor patients and detect significant deviations in vital signs that may indicate serious issues. Hospitals also employ technologies like patient smart clothing for more precise tracking in intensive care environments. Even in the operating room, digital monitoring devices provide real-time visibility on critical patient vitals.
The data collected by digital devices can be leveraged for advances in medical research and drug development. For example, long term trends in monitored populations may reveal valuable epidemiological insights. Scientists can also analyze the effects of new drugs by observing their side effects on groups using digital monitoring devices.
However, it should be noted that digital technology carries its own risks and challenges. Privacy and security of user data is a serious concern that must be addressed to protect medical information. Interpretation and follow-up on monitoring results should also not replace qualified healthcare professionals. But with prudent approaches, these digital innovations hold great potential to empower individuals and advance healthcare in the future.