Abstract

The relevance of the research derives from the necessity to analyze the influence of new non-human digital actants on the nature of doctor-patients communication. The authors prove that in modern society the digitalization of the healthcare system is proceeding at an accelerated pace and pushes individuals to monitor their health status regularly in background mode by using such digital actants as smartwatches with pre-installed medical applications. The active use of high-tech devices for self-diagnosis of health transforms the doctor-patient communication, making it hybrid and exerting ambivalent influence on the treatment process. On the one hand, individuals can collect health information continuously. However, on the other hand, the study reveals that smartwatches provide users with less accurate health information in comparison with the health information obtained via stationary medical equipment. The use of inaccurate information without the supervision of medical workers may lead to unforeseen consequences and health risks. The results of the content analysis of modern scientific research on the effectiveness of smart devices’ use in online health diagnostics indicate that formal and pragmatic trends take place in doctor-patient communication. In this regard, the authors prove that hybrid social communication in medicine needs a new vector of development in accordance with the principles of the proposed “humanistic turn”.

Highlights

  • The relevance of the research derives from the necessity to analyze the influence of new non-human digital actants on the nature of doctor-patients communication

  • The authors prove that in modern society the digitalization of the healthcare system is proceeding at an accelerated pace and pushes individuals to monitor their health status regularly in background mode by using such digital actants as smartwatches with pre-installed medical applications

  • On the other hand, the study reveals that smartwatches provide users with less accurate health information in comparison with the health information obtained via stationary medical equipment

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Summary

Introduction

Health at hand: A systematic review of smart watch uses for health and wellness. Activity data from wearables as an indicator of functional capacity in patients with cardiovascular disease. Understanding continued smartwatch usage: the role of emotional as well as health and fitness factors.

Results
Conclusion

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