The World of Wearable Medical Devices Continues to Evolve

SRINIDHI VANGALA – In the past couple of years, we have seen technology developing with an overwhelming speed. Each day there is something new about the technological world and it continues to grow. The variety of technologies the medical field uses today to develop new and better products continue to meet the demands of patients and doctors. It is truly incredible to see how much has changed in the world of medicine.

A medical device is anything that can be used to help the overall health of a patient. Some of the devices used today can be traced back to ancient times. The long history of medical devices can be traced all the way to the first discovery of the microscope. Today’s medical equipment has made easier to treat and diagnose patients, and the spectrum of use on these devices has increased largely.

One technology that has gained much popularity in recent years is the wearable devices. When talking about wearable devices, the first name that springs to mind is the Smartphone. But it is far from a single one. A deep delve into other famous wearable devices will provide more insight on all the technology that is available now. Wearables are devices that fit onto your body to receive and send signals or data. They are the perfect tool for a person to communicate with a doctor, a friend, a business partner, or even a relative when they cannot physically be present. The reason behind the surge in popularity is the fact that wearables are straightforward to use, and the user rarely has to think twice about using the device to send or receive information. These devices are especially useful for individuals with language barriers between their healthcare providers.Devices like this help to ease any communication between a patient and doctor and can further their understanding. They can also be used to help watch our health. A doctor can use the wearable to receive and record vital signs to understand the patient’s condition better, and then he or she can better keep track of the patient’s progress.

Furthermore, The Mayo Clinic was one of the first groups to present the idea of wireless headsets for a medical device. It may not be a revolutionary idea by any means, but it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. In addition to the headsets, other types of wireless devices are being developed for use with wearable devices. These devices range from earpieces, headbands, and bags to about anything that is used for contact with the outside world. 

All of the breakthroughs that have been made in the technology for wearable devices are impressive. It is exciting to think about how far we have come in only a couple years. Still, it is also vital to speak about how it will take a while to see some of the advancements in these technologies, but if they are continued, there is no doubt that we will experience a significant impact on many aspects of our lives.

Copy Editor: Aditi Madhusudan

Photography Source: Hima Patel