In the context of digital health, what does the term “wearable technology” refer to?

Wearable technology in the context of digital health primarily refers to devices that are designed to be worn on the body and that track health metrics, such as heart rate, physical activity, sleep patterns, and other physiological data. These devices often support remote monitoring of patients, allowing healthcare providers to gather real-time health information and respond more effectively to a patient’s needs.

The ability of these devices to collect continuous, accurate data helps to enhance patient care and can contribute to preventive health strategies. Moreover, the remote monitoring aspect allows for timely interventions without requiring the patient to visit a healthcare facility, which can be particularly beneficial in managing chronic conditions.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of wearable technology in health. Models used for medical training are more related to educational tools rather than real-time health data collection. Devices that provide entertainment, while they may track some health metrics, do not typically have the rigorous focus on health monitoring that is central to wearable technology. Finally, software applications for doctors are important for managing healthcare but do not constitute "wearable technology," which is inherently physical and worn by the patient.