The Impact of Digitisation on Healthcare: Smartwatches and Telemedicine

Blessing Amatemeso
Jul 25
4 min read

Updated: Aug 6

Understanding the Role of Technology in Health

Digitisation is affecting all industries, and the health industry is not spared. All aspects of healthcare are being digitalised, as highlighted in the previous post, "Streamlining Healthcare with Technology."

Telemedicine is helping bridge the gap in accessibility to care. However, telemedicine alone does not solve the problem of accurate examination and investigation. Blood parameters cannot yet be measured virtually, but vital signs are increasingly being measured by electronic devices.

The Evolution of Smartwatches

Once upon a time, watches were just for telling time. Then came the age of smartphones, and wristwatches began to do more than buzz and beep. They track steps, heart rate, blood oxygen (SPO²), count calories, monitor sleep, and even detect falls and contact emergency contacts. What started as fitness trackers for athletes has now evolved into tiny computers on our wrists, used by everyday people from students to seniors, and nurses to delivery drivers.

They’re now a staple for people managing chronic conditions, monitoring recovery, or simply trying to live healthier lives.

How Trustworthy Are Smartwatches?

How well can you trust these devices? Here are some advantages of smartwatches:

Real-time health monitoring: Early alerts for irregular heartbeat, low oxygen, or abnormal sleep.
Motivation: Step goals, fitness streaks, and progress tracking.
Convenience: Get call, text, and medication reminders right on your wrist.
Emergency help: Fall detection and SOS alerts can be lifesaving for the elderly or those living alone.

For instance, in May 2024, a Delhi woman and her Apple Watch made headlines when she nearly escaped what the doctors termed a "close call." This happened when her Apple Watch's heart rate feature detected her "abnormally high" heart rate and alerted her.

Another similar case was reported in 2023: Robert Naess, an investment director in Norway, accidentally slipped during a run and ended up severely injuring himself. Thanks to the Apple Watch's calling feature, he was able to call for emergency services, which saved his life.

Limitations of Smartwatches

However, smartwatches are not a replacement for professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

I saw a post where a man was out on a date with a woman. The date went well, he took her home and asked if he could kiss her. She said yes. During the kiss, his smartwatch started beeping, warning ⚠️ that he was likely having a heart attack. Sweet but inaccurate. The watch interpreted a regular DOSE (Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphin) effect as a heart attack.

Understanding the Limitations

It's crucial to understand the limitations of smartwatches:

False alarms: Smartwatches can misread, especially if worn incorrectly.
Data overload: Too much information can cause anxiety (a phenomenon known as "cyberchondria").
Battery life: Frequent charging can be a hassle.
Not a replacement for medical devices: They offer trends, not confirmed diagnostics.

Be aware of the potential for inaccuracies, and use the data provided by your smartwatch as a general guide rather than a definitive measure. For accurate heart rate tracking during exercise, especially high-intensity workouts, a chest strap monitor is generally more reliable than a smartwatch.

Got an Abnormal Reading? Don’t Panic.

If your smartwatch flags a high heart rate or irregular rhythm:

Don’t self-diagnose.
Stay calm and retake the reading.
Compare with how you feel—shortness of breath? Chest pain? Dizziness?
Seek medical advice, especially if symptoms persist.

Your watch can alert you, but it can’t tell you why something is wrong. That’s where trained healthcare professionals come in.

Why Skilled Personnel Still Matter

As telemedicine grows and devices get smarter, human expertise becomes even more essential. Here's why:

Context matters: A smartwatch may detect a fast heart rate—but only a doctor can tell if it’s anxiety, exercise, anaemia, or arrhythmia.
Physical exams and diagnostic tools like stethoscopes, ultrasounds, and lab tests can’t be replaced.
Interpretation of trends, patterns, and abnormalities needs clinical judgement.
Personal care: Empathy, reassurance, and hands-on care can't come from an app.

What to Consider Before Buying Wearables

Think about why you want a wearable. Is it for tracking workouts, monitoring health metrics, or just for notifications? Knowing your goals helps narrow down your choices.

Research reviews and studies on how accurate the wearable is in the metrics that matter to you (e.g., heart rate, sleep, or GPS tracking).

Make sure the wearable integrates with apps and platforms you’re already using, such as health apps on your phone. Look at how the company handles your data, particularly if you’re tracking sensitive health information.

The Rise of Smart Rings

Speaking about wearables, we are constantly bombarded with the latest kind which can do all things smartwatches can do but are smaller: the smart rings. Rings are becoming popular because they are smaller, but that means they also have smaller sensors, which may affect accuracy.

Final Thoughts

While wearables can provide valuable health insights, their accuracy varies. Believe it when it tells you something is wrong with your heart, but for other things like your step count or calories burnt in a day, take it with a pinch of salt. Keep in mind that it’s essential to invest in a trusted brand and carefully consider your needs before making a purchase.

Smartwatches are powerful allies for preventive health—but they’re not doctors. Use them to stay informed, stay active, and stay alert. But remember, even the smartest watch can’t replace trained eyes, hands, and minds.

So check your vitals, yes. But also check in with your healthcare provider. Because technology may guide us.