Medical Wearables in Clinical Decision-making Technology Assessment

Wearable devices with health-related features, such as glucose monitors and smartwatches, are growing in popularity. In this technology assessment, we reviewed how clinicians can use data from wearables to help diagnose and treat patients—and how AI might expand what such devices can achieve.

Wearables rely on sensors to collect data on users. This data may allow clinicians to give patients more timely and personalized treatment. Wearables may also help underserved populations by expanding remote patient care.

But devices vary in reliability and can be difficult to integrate into clinical work. We offer three policy options that could help.