Daniel Segura, assistant professor in Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, believes wearable technologies like the Apple Watch are an effective tool in the healthcare industry and evolving patient care.
“This is a growing trend right now. The Apple Watch is being integrated with various healthcare systems due to its vast capabilities. For example, it can help monitor patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases by measuring blood sugar levels and heart rate,” Segura said.
Devices like the Apple Watch have gained widespread attention for their ability to collect and analyze data in real time, offering a significant amount of data that can transform patient care.
Segura, who holds dual doctoral degrees in Healthcare Education and Instructional Technology and Distance Education from NSU and a master’s in Biomedical Informatics, said a standout feature of the Apple Watch is its fall detection, which can notify healthcare providers in the event of an emergency, particularly for elderly individuals.
“If they were to fall, they have the SOS alert, which is able to notify the provider,” Segura said.
This integration of wearable technology and healthcare is vital for delivering timely interventions and preventing serious health outcomes.
In addition to its health-monitoring functions, the Apple Watch has been an asset for fitness, reminding users to engage in physical activity and offering sleep-tracking capabilities. This is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from sleep deprivation or those looking to optimize their sleep patterns.
“The Apple Watch makes it way easier to stay on top of my fitness. It tracks my steps, reminds me to move and keeps me motivated to work out. It just helps me stay on track without stressing about it,” said Ashley Godwin, sophomore biology major.
Beyond health monitoring, wearable technology can also be integrated with EHR systems to further enhance care.
“Data is gold. The more information we have, the better we can analyze and provide preventive care. Having access to real-time data means doctors can make more informed decisions and intervene earlier when necessary,” Segura said.
Segura also acknowledges that integrating this wearable data into clinical decision-making presents challenges, particularly in ensuring compatibility with electronic health record systems. He said this reluctance can delay the adoption of wearable technology and slow the process of fully integrating these technologies into everyday patient care.
“The COVID-19 pandemic forced many providers to adapt to telemedicine, and they realized just how effective it can be. However, there’s still resistance in some corners of the industry when it comes to fully integrating these technologies into everyday practice,” Segura said.
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