Video re Wearables
Let’s talk about the technology that’s revolutionising allied health from our clients’ wrists: wearable devices. These are more than just fitness gadgets. They are sophisticated electronic devices, worn on the body, that use embedded sensors to continuously monitor and collect health-related data. They are a key component of the Internet of Things, enabling continuous, passive, and remote health monitoring. They provide us with real-time, objective data about patient health metrics and activity levels outside of the traditional clinic. This stream of information is what we call Patient-Generated Health Data, or PGHD, and it is a game-changer for personalised care, chronic disease management, and rehabilitation planning. In our course, we consider two key categories. First, Consumer Wearables like the Apple Watch or Fitbit, which track steps, heart rate, and sleep. Second, Clinical-Grade Devices, such as Continuous Glucose Monitors, wearable ECGs, and fall-detection pendants. Both are producing a constant stream of information. This brings us to the central challenge we face as clinicians: How do we meaningfully integrate this flood of data into our care without becoming completely overwhelmed? This is a challenge we need to face now, because adoption is growing fast. More than one in three Australians now owns a smartwatch. And in our own professions, the shift is equally dramatic. The number of allied health professionals using mHealth apps has jumped from just 27% in 2018 to over 61% today. When we integrate wearables into treatment plans, patient engagement can increase by 71%. Treatment adherence improves by 67%. For injury prevention, continuous monitoring and predictive analytics can reduce injury rates by a massive 40%. Let’s look at this in practice. For a Physiotherapist, wearable sensors can provide real-time biomechanical feedback during movement with 97% accuracy in classifying exercises. For an Occupational Therapist, a smartwatch can objectively measure a client’s activities of daily living, providing a clear picture of their functional capacity at home. And for a Dietitian, data from a Continuous Glucose Monitor offers immediate, personalised feedback on how a client’s body is responding to their food choices, with patients reporting overwhelmingly positive experiences. However, we must proceed with critical awareness. There are significant limitations to consider. Firstly data quality and validity. A consumer-grade device can have inconsistent accuracy for metrics like heart rate during intense exercise. And there are crucial privacy and regulatory considerations. Client data is often stored on commercial servers. And in Australia, if a wearable makes a diagnostic claim, it must be regulated and listed by the TGA. Wearable technology gives us an unprecedented window into our clients’ daily lives. By understanding the benefits, navigating the challenges, and always applying our clinical judgement, we can harness this data to deliver truly personalised and effective care.