Special Issue Explores Potential of Mobile and Wearable Tech for Healthcare

The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has published a special issue focusing on the advantages, applications, and challenges of mobile and wearable technologies for real-time monitoring of physiology and activities to support healthcare, diagnosis, treatments, and healthy living. The issue provides a platform for researchers and practitioners to share their latest findings, innovations, and perspectives on the use of these technologies in various healthcare and wellness domains.

Wearable technologies like smartwatches and fitness trackers can gather data on health metrics such as heart rate, steps, and oxygen levels, and transmit this data to healthcare providers for remote monitoring and early intervention. These technologies integrate with the Internet of Things, allowing for remote control and monitoring of home environments and devices. Artificial intelligence techniques can analyze the data from wearables to detect health issues and trends, enabling proactive healthcare.

Continuous remote monitoring through wearables empowers patients to manage their health at home, reducing hospital visits and improving well-being. Wearable technologies also offer safety features like fall detection and emergency alerts, particularly beneficial for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. However, challenges include short battery life, data accuracy, and the need for reliable data transfer and connectivity.

Why this matters: The integration of mobile and wearable technologies into healthcare has the potential to transform patient care, making it more personalized, efficient, and effective. As these technologies continue to progress, they could play a critical role in enabling early detection, remote monitoring, and proactive interventions, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for individuals across various demographics and health conditions.

The special issue covers topics such as the development and validation of mobile and wearable sensors, data analytics and machine learning techniques, user experience and acceptance, and the integration of these health technologies into clinical practice and public health interventions. It aims to encourage innovation and collaboration in this rapidly evolving field, laying the foundation for enhanced healthcare delivery and wellness management in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Special issue on mobile/wearable tech for real-time health monitoring
• Wearables can gather health data and transmit to providers for remote care
• Wearables empower patients to manage health at home, reducing hospital visits
• Challenges include battery life, data accuracy, and reliable connectivity
• Integrating these technologies can transform healthcare, enabling early detection and proactive interventions