Could wearables help track patient health in post-acute infection syndromes?

With nearly 100 million patients across the world living with post-acute infection syndromes caused by COVID-19 infections and other viral diseases, investigators have explored whether outpatient health monitoring could be achieved via wearable devices.

In a preregistered systematic umbrella review published in PLOS Digital Health, the investigators analyzed the accuracy, validity and clinical utility of more than 150 device series tracking consumer health wearable-assessed biometrics in 42 reviews.

The investigators revealed that the efficacy of the wearable devices was variable across biometrics, patient populations and settings. The devices also demonstrated limited clinical utility. However, measuring heart rate and atrial fibrillation provided some benefit.

As a result of the findings, the investigators suggested that further studies are needed to identify strategies for the implementation of wearable devices for outpatient health monitoring in these patient populations.

Read more: PLOS Digital Health

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