The challenges of using wearable technology in healthcare in Iran

As the worldwide population grows and the access to healthcare is increasingly being demanded, real-time monitoring of different biological signals has driven the study and development of diverse wearable technology. Monitoring of physical activity and behaviors by wearable devices may improve these health behaviors. This study endeavored to recognize the challenges of wearable technology in medicine and healthcare.

This applied study was conducted in two phases using qualitative approach in winter 2023. Initially, the challenges of wearable devices were recognized from previous studies. In the second step, the study experts evaluated conceptual model by Delphi method. The expert panel consists of 13 individuals active in information technology in healthcare according to targeted sampling.

According results the main challenges of wearable devices are technology acceptance (0.923), design/development (0.769), data quality/safety (0.769), privacy/confidentiality (0.923), socioeconomic impact (0.846), interoperability/connectivity (0.769), patient information/data overload (0.846), remote monitoring (0.846), and sanctions (0.769).

This study revealed that applications of the wearable technology in healthcare are becoming mature and established as a scientific domain. Practical adoption in wearable technology still demands design and validation of new pathways, strategic formulation, and a sound business model. Practitioners and researchers should consider how these technological advances may impact healthcare in the new era.