The release of the Apple Watch has heightened the conversation around wearable tech and the impact it could have in the future. One of the fields most interested in the potential benefits of wearable tech is that of medical technology. This has led to a surge in research focused on the health applications of smartwatches. Healthcare apps currently account for 4 percent of all apps on the market; however, that figure is set to explode with the rise of wearables and in particular, smart watches.
Recently, Ochsner Health System became the first hospital in the nation to use the Apple Watch for managing patients suffering from chronic diseases. As part of the Ochsner Hypertension Digital Medicine Program pilot program, the New Orleans-based provider will utilize the Apple Watch to track several hundred patients who are struggling to control their blood pressure. The pilot proves that smart watches could serve as a valuable instrument to improve healthcare.
The following infographic created by Watches2U illustrates the future role of smart watches in personal health.
