Discuss the relationship between wearable technology and health, with reference to both the benefits and limitations of using these devices to measure and monitor health. (6 marks)
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- [P] A key benefit of wearable technology is that continuous monitoring can identify health risks earlier than traditional healthcare.
- [E] Smartwatches track heart rhythm throughout the day, so they can detect irregularities that may not appear during a brief GP visit and flag them for follow-up.
- [Ev] For instance, the Apple Heart Study had over 400,000 participants. About one-third of those notified of an irregular pulse who completed follow-up monitoring were confirmed to have atrial fibrillation.
- [L] As a result, individuals can seek treatment earlier, reducing the risk of serious outcomes such as stroke.
- [P] However, this must be weighed against concerns about data accuracy and unequal access.
- [E] Consumer wearables are not medical-grade devices, so inaccurate readings can create false reassurance or unnecessary anxiety. Device cost also means the benefits are concentrated among people who can afford them.
- [Ev] A Stanford study found that none of seven popular wrist-worn devices measured energy expenditure accurately, even though their heart rate readings were generally reliable.
- [L] Nevertheless, when health professionals interpret wearable data rather than individuals relying on it alone, the benefits of earlier detection outweigh these limitations.
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- [P] A key benefit of wearable technology is that continuous monitoring can identify health risks earlier than traditional healthcare.
- [E] Smartwatches track heart rhythm throughout the day, so they can detect irregularities that may not appear during a brief GP visit and flag them for follow-up.
- [Ev] For instance, the Apple Heart Study had over 400,000 participants. About one-third of those notified of an irregular pulse who completed follow-up monitoring were confirmed to have atrial fibrillation.
- [L] As a result, individuals can seek treatment earlier, reducing the risk of serious outcomes such as stroke.
- [P] However, this must be weighed against concerns about data accuracy and unequal access.
- [E] Consumer wearables are not medical-grade devices, so inaccurate readings can create false reassurance or unnecessary anxiety. Device cost also means the benefits are concentrated among people who can afford them.
- [Ev] A Stanford study found that none of seven popular wrist-worn devices measured energy expenditure accurately, even though their heart rate readings were generally reliable.
- [L] Nevertheless, when health professionals interpret wearable data rather than individuals relying on it alone, the benefits of earlier detection outweigh these limitations.