HRX Roundtable - Standards Development for Wearables - Beginning the Discussion-Standards Development for Wearables

Video Transcription

Video Summary

A group of experts gathered to discuss the development of standards for wearable technologies, focusing primarily on medical applications. The conversation began with introductions from a diverse panel representing academia, industry, and clinical practice. Participants recognized the long-standing presence of standards in implantable medical devices and deliberated whether similar efforts are necessary for wearables given their expanding role in medical diagnosis and treatment.<br /><br />Key topics included defining what constitutes a wearable device, considering both consumer-grade and medical-grade devices, and understanding the varying types of data these devices collect. The panelists highlighted the clinicians' need for streamlined data integration into electronic health records (EHRs) to reduce the burden of managing multiple data sources and enhance clinical decision-making through better data quality and contextual understanding. They also discussed the challenges in creating standards due to the heterogeneity in data types and acquisition methods across different devices.<br /><br />Regulatory considerations were touched upon, emphasizing the need for participation in the ongoing policy framework involving health data standards. While there was a general consensus on the potential benefits of standards, like improved interoperability and patient care, the group also stressed the importance of aligning these standards with clinical needs and outcomes. Lastly, the discussion concluded with a shared view that both having standards and flexible approaches in the absence of strict standards are important for the evolving landscape of wearable technology in healthcare.

Keywords

wearable technologies

medical applications

standards development

data integration

electronic health records

regulatory considerations

interoperability

clinical decision-making