Navigating the Promise and Challenges of Wearable Tech in Healthcare
The use of wearable technology in healthcare is a rapidly growing trend, with smartwatches and other devices promising to revolutionize how we monitor and manage our health. However, despite the potential benefits, many doctors and tech experts remain cautious about relying solely on data collected by these devices. While wearables can track various health metrics, such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and even body temperature, questions remain about the accuracy and reliability of this data. Dr. Helen Salisbury, a general practitioner in Oxford, expresses concerns about the potential for over-monitoring and the creation of a "society of hypochondria." She highlights that abnormal data readings can have various causes, not all of which require medical intervention. "I'm concerned that we will be encouraging people to monitor everything all the time, and see their doctor every time the machine thinks they're ill, […]