embeddedworld 2017
How wearable health technology is changing the face of healthcare
In this article, Mark Patrick, Mouser Electronics, talks about how wearable technology is taking an innovative role in healthcare. From blood sugar level monitors to devices that can deliver medication, this technology is set to change the face of the medical industry
to focus resources on urgent care, as less serious ailments can be diagnosed, and in some cases even treated, remotely with the help of wearable medical devices. Wearable health monitors can also let patients with more serious ailments shorten their hospital stays and go home earlier while staying monitored around the clock, thus freeing up beds and staff for other patients. Wearable medical devices can help chronic disease sufferers manage and monitor their condition, and easily share their health information with their physician. Wearable medical devices can also provide convenient and
economic access to healthcare services to poor, underserved communities, the disabled, and the mobility challenged. Beyond improving the lives of those with diagnosed diseases, wearables can be used for preventative medicine. The next generation of fitness and health trackers may not just monitor your physical activity, but signs of impending illness to help you fend off serious health issues before they occur.
Smarter healthcare with Bluetooth Low Energy
The most important wireless protocol for
Mark Patrick, Mouser Electronics T
he miniaturisation of biomedical sensors, the proliferation of smartphones and the rise of power
efficient wireless protocols has started a generation of wearable medical devices which stand to change the face of healthcare.
These medical wearables go way beyond fitness trackers. They're not just counting steps or tracking heart rates, but monitoring glucose levels and blood pressure, managing chronic pain, or even delivering medication. At the heart of this revolution in healthcare
are wireless technologies which have arisen with the proliferation of the smartphone. Bluetooth and NFC are the wireless protocols driving this new generation of wearable medical devices.
The wearable revolution Healthcare has traditionally been practiced in hospitals and private clinics, requiring patients to travel significant distances and delaying treatment. Wearable health technology promises to flip that on its head by enabling "telemedicine" - the administration of healthcare beyond clinical settings, to reach patients whether they're at home, at work, or on the go. Telemedicine enabled by wearable medical technology has the potential to improve both inpatient and outpatient care. For instance, wearables have the potential to allow hospitals
6 CIE embeddedworld 2017
Figure 1: The Bluetooth Smart Stack
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