Wearable Technology for Health Monitoring and Diagnostics

Abstract

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to investigate wearable technology for health monitoring and diagnostics. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to wearable technology for health monitoring and diagnostics. The advancement of wearable technology in health monitoring and diagnostics transformed the healthcare landscape by enabling continuous, real-time data collection and analysis, empowering individuals to manage their health proactively. Despite its benefits, challenges such as data privacy, device accuracy, and user adherence needed addressing. Ensuring robust data protection, validating device accuracy in diverse environments, and understanding barriers to sustained use were essential. Addressing the digital divide was also vital for equitable access. Overall, wearable technology held significant promise for preventive care and early diagnosis, but required ongoing research and collaboration to maximize its impact. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Health Belief Model (HBM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) may be used to anchor future studies on wearable technology for health monitoring and diagnostics. The study recommended integrating technology acceptance and health behavior theories to provide a comprehensive understanding of adoption factors, emphasizing user-centered design for enhanced engagement, and advocating for stringent data privacy and security standards. It highlighted the importance of integrating wearable technology into healthcare systems for better clinical decisions, promoting equitable access, and using wearables in public health initiatives. The study also called for collaboration between technology developers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to address challenges and maximize the benefits of wearable health technology.