Table of Contents
In this rapidly growing digital world, computers, smartphones, and tablets have become a necessity that enables us to stay connected with the world. These devices help to streamline & optimize the tasks. However, the scope of digital advancement is beyond our phones. Wearable tools such as fitness trackers, wearable monitors, Glucose monitoring systems, and smartwatches offer convenience.
These devices help to track daily activities, from sending medication reminders to facilitating communication in innovative ways. But the question is, does wearable technology improve health? To understand this, you need to understand the role of wearable devices in healthcare.
Over the last decade, we witnessed the increasing growth of wearable devices. Based on the reports of the global wearable device market, the market is expected to grow by over US$ 380.5 billion by 2028. As we know, there are multiple types of wearable devices, and among all of them, wearables are the most popular since more than 340 million individuals will be using them by 2023.
People are also using fitness trackers and smartwatches widely, which is going to expand by 280 million by 2024. These insights are showing the ongoing trend of wearable tracking devices in healthcare. Recently, Xiaomi, Huawei, Apple, and Samsung have become the dominant players in the wearable tools industry.
In the following blog, we are going to discuss how wearable devices in healthcare are transforming health tracking. Read more about the Importance of Testing Wearable Devices and challenges.
The roots of wearable technology are centuries old, but it still might feel like a new term. For us, wearable technology refers to smartwatches, fitness trackers, AR/VR headsets & similar devices. However, the truth is something else! So, wearable technologies have existed for a long time but in different forms & evolved with time to meet with top-notch wearable devices.
The evolution of the wearable came in the year 1788 when Thomas Jefferson introduced the Pedometer for the very first time. Another invention that dates back to 1921 was the lie detector machine. With time, the innovations in this industry were more powerful & stronger. In 1961, we experienced a groundbreaking moment: the debut of the inaugural wearable computer. This was the time when computers were the size of a room. After that, the world witnessed another fully digital wearable hearing in 2003.
Now, wearable devices in healthcare have become a crucial part of everyday life and play an important role in fostering overall well-being. Multiple wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health tracking systems enable us to track, monitor, and measure the various aspects. Do you want to know the major trends in wearable technologies? Here, we share some necessary wearable technology trends to keep an eye-
A wearable blood pressure monitor helps to measure the blood pressure level accurately. Through this product, you can track your blood pressure wherever and whenever you want. Based on the WHO reports, 1 in 4 men and 5 women around the world are going through high blood pressure or hypertension, which increases the risks of stroke and heart attacks. You can’t visit the clinic to measure your blood pressure every time. By wearing this new generation of wearable tools, one can measure blood pressure and share the data with doctors.
Smartwatches enable users to execute functions typically performed on their smartphones, enhancing convenience and efficiency. From this tool, you can send messages, receive notifications, and make phone calls. Smart Watches help you send reminders that you need to do more exercise. Through this, you can monitor the heart rate and prevent any risks. Based on the reports of Statista, the smartwatch forecast a 9.83% annual growth rate, resulting in $61.69 billion by 2027.
The wearable fitness trackers consist of sensors that measure heart rate, physical activities, blood pressure, oxygen level & multiple parameters. These tools send notifications to the wearers for health and fitness guidance. The wearable fitness monitor supports daily fitness goals and shows progress.
Wearable health devices are rapidly exploding, and their popularity shows no signs of diminishing. The first generation of wearable devices consists of fitness trackers like Jawbone’s UP, Fitbit, and smartwatches. Healthcare professionals are eagerly getting into the game, exploring the possibilities of helping patients with chronic illnesses stay in remote areas. Based on the reports of the wearable patient engagement survey, 49% of patients globally want to wear or would be willing to wear wearable devices to measure their fitness levels. Let’s move forward to understand the importance of wearable device testing services.
Wearable functional testing is the process of determining whether or not a wearable gadget functions properly. It entails testing different features to ensure that they function properly and deliver precise data to the user. Manufacturers can ensure that medical gadgets, fitness trackers, digital watches, and sleep-tracking gadgets perform consistently while offering accurate information, allowing consumers and healthcare providers to make informed treatments. Here are some benefits of wearable devices in healthcare-
Amongst several tests comes biosensor testing. Biosensors enable patients to move freely while simultaneously collecting crucial data such as heart rate, temperature, and respiration rate. Testing these sensors will ensure Accuracy and reliability.
When evaluating a wearable gadget or software, testers must cover all functions on the small displays of the gadgets. The major purpose of evaluating wearable devices’ touch capabilities is to ensure that all functionality works properly and is user-friendly. Touch navigation, as well as responsiveness, make up the majority of how it operates in real time. This also ensures you are meeting the regulatory and safety standards.
Testing the comfort or usability is also vital. Every wearable attempts to ensure that the end-user has the greatest possible experience while dealing with Wearable devices. To improve user experience, consumers should acquire Easy use of a product. Testing usability will find any issues in clear navigation, simple operations, vibration notifications, mirroring of the visual aspects related to the devices, and the list goes on. UI testing is also necessary. UI testing guarantees that all actionable components (sensors, checkboxes, buttons, etc.) function properly on the wearable.
Wearable devices, often known as healthcare wearables, are electronic gadgets that may be worn on the person’s body as accessories or as part of their clothes. These gadgets usually have sensors, computer power, and connection features to gather data, give helpful information, or execute specific activities for the user. Smartwatches, fitness monitors, and health monitoring gadgets are some of the most prevalent wearable technologies.
As a quality assurance engineer, you will be responsible for performing a variety of tests to verify that wearable devices work properly and reliably. Wearable devices frequently need to be interoperable with numerous platforms and devices, including cell phones, tablets, and various other wearables. As the quality assurance engineer, you must guarantee that the connected device functions properly with all approved gadgets as well as platforms, with no compatibility issues as well as performance degradation.
You must determine the list of compatible devices and platforms that support your wearable gadget. QA Engineers from wearable device testing companies can create a thorough test strategy that includes all potential device and platform combinations. Then, execute the evaluation plan to ensure that your wearable device is compatible and functioning on all supported gadgets and platforms. You can also document any problems that were discovered during testing and collaborate with the design team to address them.
Performance testing by a wearable device testing company is critical for wearable devices since they frequently have little power and must offer real-time data analysis and user input. As a quality assurance engineer, you must guarantee that your wearable gadget functions properly in a variety of environments and use scenarios.
Here are some essential performance parameters to consider while health monitoring wearable device testing:
User experience evaluation is critical for wearable devices since they must be simple to use and give a consistent user experience. As a quality assurance engineer, you must guarantee that your wearable gadget satisfies the user’s requirements and delivers an identical experience across all devices and platforms.
Wearable devices frequently capture sensitive data, which includes medical data or personal details, making security testing an important part of the procedure for testing. As a QA engineer of a wearable device testing company, you must guarantee that your wearable gadget secures the user’s data and follows industry-standard security protocols.
Isn’t it convenient to have an individual health assistant available at all times? These gadgets provide immediate feedback to assist you in remaining at the forefront of your wellness game. You may also study the information for years to come, and there is no need to spend either space or time storing information because it is all stored on your wrist.
Recall the days when managing your health records was a necessity. Wearable gadgets accurately record every pulse and calorie. It’s as if you had a dedicated personal secretary for your health. That is why you do not need to carry any paperwork!
Wearable devices allow patients to manage their medical information in real-time. Until recently, people had to visit a doctor for an examination and treatment and to track their health status. Nowadays, individuals may monitor their health and fitness from home or on the road. They may educate them and make more informed decisions about their bodies. The majority of wearable gadgets are inexpensive, so there is a minimal entry hurdle for average customers.
Have you often felt that your workout regimen wasn’t personalized to you? Wearables provide insights suited to your physique and physical state, ensuring optimal efficiency. With customizable training routines, you may design your workout plan.
Many healthcare facilities are already using RPM, remote patient monitoring, and telehealth systems to reduce readmissions and improve outcomes. When ready, certain individuals are transmitted home with wearable devices that constantly monitor variables, including heart rate, oxygen level, and weight. RPM, when used with videoconferencing, enables remote care delivery.
This continuity of treatment saves time and prevents misunderstanding. Concerns noticed might provide an opportunity to bring patients back for earlier consultations and treatment, perhaps avoiding problems.
Over time, these gadgets can detect patterns in information about your health, such as sleep, heart rate, and activity levels. Identifying patterns early on can result in improved health outcomes. Many wearables now have extensive sleep-tracking features, which provide information on sleep phases, disturbances, and general sleep quality. As a result, this trend aids healthcare authorities in improving their ability to evaluate data to design a more effective and efficient program.
Wearable health technology has grown in popularity in recent years, with complex medical monitoring systems integrated into many current consumer devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. From heart rate monitors to blood pressure monitors to multi-purpose biological sensors, the need for wearable healthcare technology has never been higher.
The most significant obstacle regarding medical wearable technology is likely to be Accuracy, or more particularly, calibration issues. Regular tracking of health parameters can give users valuable and useful information. Still, any flaws in both the software and the hardware used to gather data will reduce the efficacy of any wearable device.
Even the most modern physiological sensors now available have limitations, such as motion artifacts and signal interference, which can lead to inaccurate or erroneous results.
This problem can only be solved via ongoing investment in the development and research of new sensor technology as well as calibration algorithms.
Another significant problem is security. The data acquired by medical wearable devices that are worn is considered sensitive information by the user. Thus, rigorous cyber security measures must be implemented to protect personal information from being disclosed to other parties. This is especially critical when working with cloud-based databases that connect to wireless health devices.
To safely use wearable health technology, medical professionals should consult with security integrators along with commercial safety system installers to create unique cyber security strategies and implement appropriate safety policies involving larger systems such as access control devices along with security cameras. Policies must be changed regularly to avoid new vulnerabilities from becoming apparent over time.
Linked to security connections, all wearable health technology implemented in a professional context must be securely connected to current data processing systems. To make the data acquired by these devices useful, wearable device testing companies must determine how user information will be consistently delivered to storage solutions and analytic tools from various suppliers.
Wearable technology has enormous potential in the healthcare industry. The benefits are apparent, ranging from improved patient monitoring to the promotion of preventative healthcare. However, issues such as data privacy and device efficiency must be solved to secure widespread usage. With continued developments and achievements, wearable technology is going to play a transformational role in healthcare, helping both patients and doctors.
The healthcare industry is growing and adopting smart wearable technologies that make the detection, precaution, and prevention of disease easy. From remote health monitoring to preventing chronic disease, the healthcare market is growing rapidly with IoT and wearable technologies.
New advancements in wearable gadgets include the incorporation of machine learning, or AI, algorithms, which allow devices to evaluate data and deliver tailored insights and suggestions. Furthermore, advances in adaptability are enabling more comfortable and discreet wearable gadgets. Some of the top wearable devices in healthcare are blood pressure monitors, ECG monitors, pregnancy monitors, etc.
Wearable technology has a bright future in healthcare, with new developments and advances being created regularly. Wearables are expected to play an increasingly important role in illness prevention and management, particularly for chronic ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. If you want to test your recent wearable technologies, hire a wearable device testing company.
With technological innovation, we may expect increasingly personalized and specialized healthcare solutions that address specific patient needs. Wearables will provide doctors and healthcare experts with accurate and complete data, allowing them to make more informed choices about patient care and treatment. Wearable devices in healthcare are fast-growing, with the potential to transform our understanding of health and the prevention of diseases. As advancements and investments in this sector increase, we may expect an even brighter future for wearable devices in healthcare.
Join the like-minded community & get the latest updates and insights on software testing technological transformation around the globe. Don't miss out.