One people – One goal – One faith

REPUBLIC OF SENEGAL

Bachelor in Computer Science Studies

IPG – ISTI

Topic: WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY IN HEALTHCARE

Hosted by Mouhamadou Moustapha SAMBE

Supervised by Mr SAMBE, Teacher Of english
Academic Year: 2020 - 2021
Summary
I. What is wearable technology ?
II. History
III. Future of wearable technology
IV. Impact of wearable technology in healthcare
V. Wearable devices used in healthcare
VI. Benefits of wearable technology in healthcare
VII. Problems associated with wearable devices
I. What is wearable technology?

 Wearable technology, wearable devices or fashion electronics are clothing and accessories,
incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies, who can be worn on the user’s
body
 Wearable technology has been around for decades and is one of the fastest –growing sectors of
the broader technology industry,
 Wearable technology is related to both the field of ubiquitous computing and the history and
development of wearable computers.
 These devices are capable of performing several of the tasks and functions as smartphones,
laptops, and tablets. However, in some cases, wearable devices can perform tasks more
conveniently and more efficiently than portable and hand-held devices
 It aims to develop new interfaces that modify non- computer activities without interfering with
the user’s everyday tasks.
II. History
 Idea dates back to the 1960’s (Groen,2010)

 Early models not feasible because of large, bulky size

 1966 Ivan Sutherland created first head mounted computer

 1977- Vest and Headset developed to aid the blind

 1980’s general purpose wearable computers developed

 In 1990’s wearable computing swiftly progressing

 Carnegie Melon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Georgia Tech sponsored
international symposium on “Wearable Computing” in 1997
 Today, computer fibers being woven in clothing fibers 
III. What's the Future of Wearable Technology?

 Sensible Baby that fits into a chest pocket and sends information and active alerts on
temperature, baby orientation and breathing to a parent's mobile device
 Sensory Fiction(MIT Labs) in which reader will soon experience physical sensation while reading
the written words
 Smart Contact Lenses, which can help measure glucose level in tears

 Disney's MyMagic+, is capable of monitoring visitors and collecting data about their behaviour in
Disney World theme parks.
 IV. Impact of wearable technology in
healthcare
 Both doctors and patients use healthcare apps, and it’s clear that the industry is moving toward
mobile. Wearable technology has become more popular as a result of this. Wearable technologies
in healthcare can help patients receive better care. Wearable monitoring systems can provide the
healthcare business with several benefits. Some wearables are beneficial for the maintenance of
health conditions, the prevention of sickness, and the recovery of patients.
 It’s all about tracking when it comes to wearable healthcare technologies. They keep track of the
patient by allowing doctors to see the end-to-end progress. Wearable monitoring gadgets are now
being used to achieve fitness goals as well. Many people love utilizing weight-loss wearable
technology like step trackers or fitness apps that provide exercise and nutrition advice.
 Wearable technology has a more significant impact on the healthcare industry than it does on the
rest of the economy. This is because every important technical innovation has benefited healthcare
practitioners throughout history. The influence of wearable technology is helping doctors, nurses,
and patients stay connected.
V. Wearable devices used in healthcare
 Fitness Trackers: Fitness trackers are less expensive and focus on usefulness rather than appearances, but the
latest models include smartphone functions such as notifications and alarms. Smartwatches used to be limited to
telling time and counting steps, but they’ve grown into a sleek combination of smartphone technology and a health
monitor. Smartwatches may track physical activity, heart rate and even guide you through a brief meditation.
 Smart Bracelets: The Smart Band, like smartwatches, is designed to wear on the wrist. Among the younger
generation, the Smart Band is quite popular. It gives the user real-time vital statistics such as physical activity,
heart rate, calorie consumption, sleep length, etc. In addition, these Smart Bands can integrate with smartphone
apps, allowing the user to track their progress daily.
 Biosensors: Wearable biosensors that may be attached to various body areas to collect data. A Health patch is a
small, wireless, disposable patch with adhesive qualities that makes it simple to use. They can measure and gather
biometric parameters such as skin temperature, stress, breathing rate, sleep length, step count, sleep quality,
posture, and many others, depending on the type and size.
 Movement Sensors: A motion sensor is an electrical device that detects and records movement. Sensors assess
factors that affect a patient’s state, such as oxygen levels or room temperature, whereas medical sensors measure
vital signs.
 Posture Monitors: These devices help you improve your sitting posture and habits. It monitors your posture while
you work or you have been sitting for too long.
 Smart Glasses: They allow surgeons to get real-time information about a patient if issues arise, and they can also
help them see better during particular sections of the process.
VI. Benefits of wearable technology in
healthcare
 Monitoring of Health Issues: Utilizing wearable technology in healthcare helps save healthcare
professionals’ time by allowing them to track health-related issues. On the other hand, patients also benefit
from it by being monitored constantly during rehabilitation, and the whole process is more efficient thanks
to wearable devices.
 Virtual Visits: Wearable allows doctors to check on patients without coming into the office, which saves time
and money. The devices eliminate the need for a follow-up visit. With gadgets to monitor diabetes, macular
degeneration, neuropathic pain, and other illnesses, wearable enables seniors to get the solution at their
comfort.
 Monitoring of Physical Activity: People who want to track their sporting activity, wearable fitness trackers,
or other wearable health tracker technologies are beneficial. The technology helps not only recording steps or
fitness training but also the patient’s total mobility.
 Assistance for Disabled Patients: Wearables assist impaired persons in managing their daily lives without
the assistance of others. People with cerebral palsy can use smart glasses to do internet research and
capture images. Other wearable devices assist consumers in self-managing heart disease, diabetes, and sleep
apnea.
 Monitoring of Mental Health Status: Wearable devices have entered a new arena. Because wearable health
technology is equipped with sensors that track the patient’s mental health, it is possible to monitor mental
behavior and detect human psychology. Wearable monitoring systems can even track heartbeat, body
temperature, blood pressure, and other vital signs with some sensors.
VII. Problems associated with wearable
devices
 Sensing physiological parameters: Wearable medical devices attached to the human body detects
and monitor changes and capture biological/physiological data. The issue originates from obtaining
imprecise and inconsistent measurements when collecting these data – largely because of a design
flaw or wrong usage of the wearable. This issue is easily avoided through good product design and
good product manual.
 Batteries: Wearable technologies conventionally consume much power, which limits its use and
thus, its benefits. Thankfully, the battery limitations for wearable devices have improved over the
years thanks to the innovation of engineers and electronic product designers.
 Security: Security is one of the biggest hurdles of wearables and cyberattacks on connected medical
devices are increasing. Fool-proofing for medical devices is achievable by meeting Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and other security standards. Companies who manufacture wearable
technology in healthcare need to hire in-house IoT engineers or a reliable third-party consultant to
successfully implement these strict measures.
 High potential cost: While the price of wearables is decreasing annually if the systems and
technology of a hospital or clinic aren’t compatible with the wearable devices a patient uses, they
may be forced to spend more money to implement new systems and technology infrastructures to
support these wearable devices.