Study: Wearables can empower patients, but there are obstacles
Using wearables to track health data could empower patients, but there are several barriers to effective use, including the need for provider support.
The review, published in JMIR, analyzed 20 studies published in Europe and the U.S. that collectively included more than 7,000 participants. Researchers found three main overarching themes: the role of providers and potential benefits to care, driving behavior change and barriers to use.
THE LARGER TREND
Shipments of wearables declined 3% year-over-year in the first quarter, marking the industry's first-ever decline, according to a report by the International Data Corporation. However, the decline depended on the type of wearable, as smart headphones and watches actually increased during the quarter, while wristband wearables declined.
