Harnessing Wearable Technology for Enhanced Patient Monitoring and Rehabilitation: A Practice Survey Among Physiotherapists
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v3i1.29Keywords:
Wearable Technology, Physiotherapy, Patient Monitoring, Rehabilitation, Perceptions, Data Privacy, Future PerspectivesAbstract
BACKGROUND: Wearable technology has gained significant attention in healthcare, including its potential applications in physiotherapy practice. It offers opportunities for real-time monitoring, patient engagement, and personalized rehabilitation. Understanding the current usage, perceptions, benefits, challenges, and future perspectives of wearable technology among physiotherapists is crucial for its successful integration in patient care.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the utilization, perceptions, benefits, challenges, and future perspectives of wearable technology among physiotherapists.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 213 physiotherapists at the Link Medical Center in Lahore, Pakistan. The survey included questions on demographics, usage and implementation of wearable technology, perceived benefits and challenges, data privacy and security measures, and future perspectives. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS: Of the participants, 72.3% reported using wearable technology in their practice. The most commonly used devices were activity trackers (62%), heart rate monitors (58%), and posture correctors (42%). Physiotherapists perceived positive impacts of wearable technology on patient monitoring and rehabilitation, including increased patient engagement, real-time feedback, and progress tracking. Challenges reported included technical difficulties (75%), cost (60%), and patient resistance or discomfort (45%). While 86% reported taking measures to protect patient data, only 59% felt fully confident in their understanding of data privacy and security issues. Most participants (68%) believed that wearable technology will become standard practice in physiotherapy.
CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the high utilization and positive perceptions of wearable technology among physiotherapists. However, challenges such as technical difficulties, cost, and patient resistance need to be addressed. Continued education, technological advancements, and further research are needed to maximize the benefits of wearable technology in physiotherapy practice.
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