New-Tech Europe | June 2017

Medical Devices Special Edition

How Wearable Health Technology is Changing the Face of Healthcare

Mark Patrick, Mouser Electronics

of wearable medical devices. The Wearable Revolution

allow hospitals 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

The miniaturization 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

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 improve both inpatient and outpatient care. For instance, wearables have the potential to

42 l New-Tech Magazine Europe