While consumers are rapidly purchasing fitbits and wearable, many providers have a different take as wearables are often not accurate enough and give too much data to make medical conclusions, according to DataConomy.
Here are five key takeaways:
1. While the devices provide a lot of data, providers often can't use that data to effect real change in the patient's life. A lot of data breeds a lot of questions, and providers may not be able to detect conditions based on wearables.
2. Patients have different needs, and the devices often have a lack of standardization in its information.
3. Providers find illness-specific wearables much more useful than general wearables. Data is helping combat illnesses such as Ebola and Sepsis, and many in the medical field find wearables will be an asset in fighting such illnesses.
4. With the wealth of data, consumers are overwhelmed and often stop using the device. A survey found 30 percent of respondents stopped using their device within six months of receiving it.
5. Many have privacy concerns since consumers can readily share information to providers and hospital systems. Health systems often struggle with their existing procedures and polities, so additional data poses an obstacle.
More articles on practice management:
The largest attack on a U.S. healthcare network? 5 key points on MedStar Health's possible data breach
5 key notes on informed consent for physicians
Concurrent ORs: The debate rages on — 5 key notes on a US Senate Finance Committee inquiry