The long term value proposition of continuous health monitoring is immeasurable. Every year scientists find new correlation and algorithms to discern physiological parameters and their corelation to different disease states. Our physiological data holds the key to early diagnosis of health problems.
Continuous health monitoring is important because it allows for the tracking of an individuals health over time. This can help identify patterns or changes in health that might indicate a problem. It can also help to detect potential health issues early, which can allow for earlier intervention and treatment. Additionally, it allows for the gathering of more comprehensive data about an individual's health, which can help inform treatment decisions and improve outcomes.
Continuous health monitoring can potentially detect a variety of health issues, depending on the type of monitoring being used. For example:
Continuous monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels can help detect issues such as heart disease, hypertension, and lung problems.
Continuous glucose monitoring can help detect and manage diabetes by providing real-time information on glucose levels.
Continuous monitoring of sleep patterns and activity levels can help detect sleep disorders and other issues that may affect overall health.
Wearable devices that monitor for ECG, heart rate variability and other cardiovascular markers can help detect heart-related issues, monitor heart health and progression of cardiovascular disease.
Continuous monitoring of medication intake and adherence can help improve medication management and outcomes.
Continuous monitoring of physical activity can help detect lack of movement, inactivity, which can have negative impact on overall health.
It is important to note that continuous monitoring is not a replacement for regular doctor check-ups, but rather it's a tool that provides data, insights and prompts to support physicians in the decision making process and improve treatment outcomes.
LifeBound’s focus to achieve this to use Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) and wearable devices.
Wearable devices, such as wearable sensors, fitness trackers etc., can detect a variety of patterns related to physical activity and overall health. Some examples of patterns that these devices can detect include:
Image courtesy Fitbit
Activity levels: Wearable devices can track how much physical activity an individual engages in, including steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. They can also monitor activities like running, cycling, swimming, and other forms of exercise.
Sleep patterns: Many wearable devices are equipped with sensors that can detect and track sleep patterns, including the duration of different sleep stages (light, deep, REM) and time spent awake.
Heart rate patterns: Wearable devices with heart rate sensors can track an individual's heart rate throughout the day and night, which can provide information about cardiovascular health and detect potential issues such as arrhythmias.
Stress levels: Some wearable devices include sensors that can detect changes in heart rate variability and other physiological indicators of stress.
Medication intake and adherence: Wearable devices equipped with sensors can track when and how much medication is taken and detect patterns of non-adherence.
Patterns can be deduced by machine learning algorithms through the use of the data collected by these devices, this could include prediction of patterns, early warning signals, and personalized recommendations.
Continuous health monitoring is currently used to detect sleep disorders and other issues that may affect overall health. By tracking an individual's sleep patterns and activity levels, even healthcare providers can gain valuable insights into a patient's health and well-being. This can help them to identify potential problems early and take action to address them as well as form business cases for better insurance plans and services for customers taking better care of their health. Information collected by these devices can be used to develop personalized health programs that take into account the patient's individual needs and goals. This can lead to more effective treatment and improved outcomes.
Continuous health monitoring is also crucial for the care of infants, particularly premature and sick babies, allowing real-time monitoring of vital signs like heart rate, oxygen levels, and temperature. This can help identify potential issues early on, enabling healthcare providers to take timely actions to keep the baby healthy and safe. For example, the use of apnea monitors can help detect sudden interruptions in breathing, which can indicate a serious health problem.
Furthermore, continuous health monitoring can also play a crucial role in mental wellness. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can have a significant impact on overall health and well-being, especially for women during pregnancy and postpartum. Wearable devices, along with apps and other digital tools, can help monitor symptoms and changes in mood, providing healthcare providers with the ability to identify and treat mental health issues early. Additionally, the data and insights gathered from continuous health monitoring can be used to develop tailored mental health interventions and support, leading to better patient outcomes. The use of this technology can be especially beneficial for people who may have limited access to traditional mental health services, helping them to receive care in a more convenient and accessible way.
The health ecosystem is just starting to leverage these technologies and us cases. We will go into multiple use cases for these technologies in future posts. We hope you will continue to read and follow our journey.
Would you use wearable sensors to track your health?
Yes
No
Maybe but unsure of their safety
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