Wearable Sensing and Telehealth Technology with Potential Applications in the Coronavirus Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Biomedical Engineering
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to global health systems, necessitating innovative approaches beyond traditional detection, treatment, and vaccination efforts.
• Effective disease prevention, spread containment, and management of large-scale health crises require robust technological infrastructure and strategic implementation.
• Vulnerable populations and healthcare workers face significant risks, highlighting the need for advanced monitoring and support systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review enabling technologies and systems for managing the COVID-19 crisis.
• To explore applications of wearable devices, unobtrusive sensing systems, and telehealth for disease prevention and patient monitoring.
• To identify future challenges and opportunities in technological development for pandemic response.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature and technological advancements relevant to COVID-19 management.
• Categorization of technologies into wearable devices, unobtrusive sensing systems, and telehealth solutions.
• Analysis of application scenarios for each technology category in diverse healthcare settings.

Main Results:

• Wearable devices offer potential for monitoring at-risk populations, quarantine compliance, and healthcare personnel health status, aiding triage.
• Unobtrusive sensing systems can facilitate early disease detection and monitor patients with mild symptoms, especially in improvised hospital settings.
• Telehealth technologies enable remote monitoring and diagnosis of COVID-19 and related conditions, extending healthcare access.

Conclusions:

• Technological solutions including wearables, sensors, and telehealth are crucial for enhancing pandemic preparedness and response.
• These technologies can significantly improve population monitoring, patient management, and healthcare system efficiency during health crises.
• Further research and development are needed to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities for advanced technological integration in public health.