Wearable sensors and systems. From enabling technology to clinical applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Digital Health
• Remote Patient Monitoring

Background:

• Clinical monitoring in home settings has been envisioned for over 50 years.
• Technological limitations previously hindered the implementation of effective home monitoring systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in wearable sensors and systems for home and community-based patient monitoring.
• To discuss the potential applications and future directions of integrated home monitoring technologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent research and technological developments in wearable sensors and robotics for healthcare.
• Analysis of potential applications in disease diagnosis, chronic condition management, and emergency response.

Main Results:

• Wearable sensors and systems now provide the tools for effective patient home monitoring.
• Applications include early diagnosis (e.g., congestive heart failure), chronic disease prevention (e.g., diabetes), and management of neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease).
• Integration of home robots with wearable technology is a key development for advanced monitoring systems.

Conclusions:

• Wearable technology and home robots are expected to be clinically adopted within 5-10 years.
• These integrated systems will offer advanced capabilities for monitoring, intervention, and emergency response in home settings.
• This represents a new generation of complex systems for comprehensive patient care.