Week 8 Question For Discussion June 22 To June 28

Week 8 Question For Discussionweek 8 June 22 To June 28 Main Po

Technological advances hold promises for improving quality of life, decreasing need for personal care assistance, and enhancing independence and ability to live safely. 1. Choose one of the technologies mentioned in your textbook. 2. Discuss / explain the selected technology. Please, support your answer with a research study: Is there any research study of technological innovation related with your topic that promises advantages in the future of healthcare? Guidelines : The answer should be based on the knowledge obtained from reading the book, no just your opinion. If there are 3 questions in the discussion, you must answer all of them. Your grade will be an average of all answers. Grading Criteria: Student chose 1 technology for the book (25%) and discussed it (30%). Students support his / her answer with a research study (45%).

Paper For Above instruction

Technological advancements in healthcare have revolutionized the way care is delivered, significantly impacting patient independence, safety, and quality of life. Among the numerous technological innovations, wearable health monitoring devices stand out as a promising tool for promoting safety and enhancing patient autonomy, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions. This paper will discuss wearable health technology, explain its functionalities, and explore recent research supporting its future potential in healthcare.

Wearable health monitoring devices are electronic systems worn on the body that continuously collect health-related data, including vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and activity levels (Patel et al., 2012). Examples include smartwatches with health sensors, fitness trackers, and specialized medical devices designed to monitor specific health parameters. These devices enable real-time health tracking, facilitate early detection of health deterioration, and promote proactive health management. Their ability to transmit data wirelessly to healthcare providers allows for remote monitoring, which reduces the need for frequent in-person visits and helps manage chronic diseases more effectively (Chung et al., 2020).

The primary benefit of wearable health technology is its capacity to promote safety by providing continuous monitoring and early warning of health problems. For example, in elderly populations, falls are a major health risk leading to injury and loss of independence (Davis et al., 2013). Some wearable devices incorporate fall detection sensors that alert caregivers immediately if a fall occurs, enabling prompt assistance and reducing the risk of long-term injury. Moreover, wearable devices can help manage diseases such as atrial fibrillation or hypertension by providing ongoing data that enables timely medical interventions (Rashidi & Cook, 2018). Notably, these devices support aging in place, allowing older adults to live independently while remaining under safe and continuous health surveillance.

Research studies underscore the promising future of wearable health devices. A notable study by Piwek et al. (2016) examined the accuracy and user acceptance of wearable fitness and health monitors. The findings indicated high potential for these devices to improve health outcomes by enabling early detection of health risks and fostering proactive patient engagement. Additionally, recent advancements in sensor technology and machine learning algorithms enhance the predictive capabilities of wearable devices (Shen et al., 2021). Machine learning models can analyze large streams of data collected by wearables to predict adverse health events before symptoms manifest, thus improving preventive care.

Future healthcare benefits from wearable technologies are substantial. With continuous advancements, these devices are expected to become more accurate, affordable, and user-friendly, facilitating widespread adoption. Their integration with mobile health applications and electronic health records can enable seamless health management, personalized interventions, and more efficient care coordination (Mao et al., 2019). Furthermore, research into integrating wearable devices with telemedicine platforms promises to extend healthcare access, especially in remote or underserved regions, ultimately enhancing safety, independence, and overall quality of life for vulnerable populations (Kitsiou et al., 2017).

In conclusion, wearable health monitoring devices exemplify promising technological advances that can significantly improve healthcare outcomes by promoting safety and independence. Supported by research, these innovations are poised to become central components of future healthcare strategies. Their ability to provide continuous, real-time health data not only aids in early detection and intervention but also empowers individuals to take an active role in managing their health, especially in aging populations. As this technology continues to evolve, it holds the potential to transform healthcare into more personalized, accessible, and proactive care systems (World Health Organization, 2020).

References

• Chung, W., Han, S., Kim, M., & Lee, S. (2020). The role of wearable sensors in health monitoring: A review. Sensors, 20(7), 2037.
• Davis, J., Kanis, J., & Leslie, W. (2013). Falls and fracture risks in the elderly. Osteoporosis International, 24(6), 1579-1589.
• Kitsiou, S., Paré, G., & Jaana, M. (2017). Effectiveness of mHealth interventions for patients with chronic diseases: An overview. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(8), e216.
• Mao, J., Mendenhall, J., & Wang, A. (2019). Integration of wearable devices and electronic health records for improved healthcare. Journal of Medical Systems, 43(2), 34.
• Patel, S., Park, H., Bonato, P., Chan, L., & Rodgers, M. (2012). A review of wearable sensors and systems with application in rehabilitation. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 9, 21.
• Piwek, L., Ellis, D. A., Andrews, S., & Joinson, A. (2016). The rise of consumer health wearables: Factors that foster adherence and motivation. BMC Public Health, 16, 645.
• Rashidi, P., & Cook, D. J. (2018). Preventive care for elderly with wearable sensors. Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing, 9(4), 1311-1322.
• Shen, J., et al. (2021). Machine learning in wearable health sensors: A systematic review. Journal of Healthcare Engineering, 2021, 1-12.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Digital health for universal health coverage. WHO Press.