When wearable devices first emerged, it came in the form of smartwatches and fitness bands, helping people to increase their fitness level, drink more water, and get more sleep. But new and emerging wearables can do a lot more than monitor your heart rate or count steps. They can detect arrhythmias, warn before a seizure, and even detect the presence of cancer cells inside your body. Additionally, these devices send data directly to providers for remote monitoring.
Read more Breathable, Stretchable Electronics Pave the Way for New Medical Wearables
Designing a wearable that provides people with accurate health data is easier said than done. Here, we take a look at the benefits patients expect from their wearables.
Patients expect their wearables to be comfortable when worn on their bodies. A user may refuse to wear the device if it’s not comfortable. The longer the device needs to stay adhered to, the more important comfort can become. Stretchy, breathable materials should be used so that it reduces moisture build-up. The device’s size is also important. As a medical wearable is intended to be worn for an extended period of time, it should not be big or bulky, reports MedTech Intelligence.
Patients expect their wearables to integrate into their lives with ease. For durability, it’s important to select a material that stops dampen and absorbs energy. The device should also be water-resistant.
Some patients want their wearable to be discreet, while others may want to show off their device proudly. Therefore, it’s important to design in a way that satisfies both groups.
Wearable devices, especially medical wearables must have power that lasts a long time. A wearable that requires constant charging isn’t only frustrating, it poses serious safety risks. Energy harvesting is a new trend. Researchers are inventing various ways to power wearables, some even found ways to use sweat to recharge them.
Wearables, no matter how advanced, aren’t valuable to the patient if they are not user-friendly. If a device has too many buttons or notifications, it can be confusing to operate. A medical wearable should provide instructions that are easy to follow and should have a simple design.
