A naukri.com initiative
Bioengineer
2d
304
Image Credit: Bioengineer
Study Reveals Disconnect: Majority of Americans Track Heart Health with Devices, Yet Few Share Data with Physicians
- A recent survey by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has highlighted concerns around low levels of communication between patients and healthcare providers on heart health issues monitored via devices.
- Two-thirds of Americans use devices such as smartwatches, portable blood pressure monitors, and wearable fitness trackers to keep tabs on their cardiovascular wellbeing, with only 25% sharing the data collected with doctors.
- Dr Laxmi Mehta, director of Preventative Cardiology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said patients needed to be more involved in monitoring their health, adding that devices could serve as invaluable tools for early detection and proactive management of heart-related issues.
- However, patients needed to be aware of the normal range for heart rates and rhythms if they were going to make informed decisions. Moreover, they needed to be more forthcoming with their doctors on this data so that it could be used in their medical assessments.
- During her consultation with Dr Mehta, one patient discovered that her smartwatch could perform electrocardiograms and send the data directly to her doctor via an electronic medical record system.
- The onus for enhancing collaboration between patients and physicians in managing heart health via such data sharing falls on both parties, with healthcare providers needing to better understand the functionalities of such devices.
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center survey gives insights into self-monitoring technology's limitations, which need to be addressed to enhance cardiovascular health management.
- Integrating self-monitoring reports into electronic health record systems could streamline the process and enrich patient care, according to experts commenting on the issue.
- The synergy between technology, patient engagement, and healthcare provider collaboration will dictate the future of heart health monitoring and management.
- A pivotal moment in health technology presents opportunities for innovation in heart health, with open communication and understanding remaining essential in translating this into tangible health benefits.
Read Full Article
18 Likes
For uninterrupted reading, download the app