Single-Use Wearable Wireless Sensors for Vital Sign Monitoring

Key Messages

What Is the Issue?

The monitoring of vital signs is a key component of patient care. Metrics such as heart rate, body temperature, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation allow health care staff to monitor the well-being of their patients.

What Is the Technology?

Single-use, wearable devices for vital sign monitoring have a variety of designs that are embedded with sensors that allow for continuous monitoring. They transmit data wirelessly to a base unit within a health care setting or a home.

What Is the Potential Impact?

For patients in the hospital, single-use wearable monitors can allow for fewer interruptions to rest. For patients leaving the hospital, the wearable monitors can allow for peace of mind and earlier discharge because the individual continues to be monitored remotely. In out-of-hospital settings, vital sign monitoring can signal when a person should seek additional care. The potential impacts may extend to caring for older adults at home.

What Else Do We Need to Know?

This Horizon Scan summarizes information regarding the effectiveness, safety, cost, and other considerations should there be a broad implementation of emerging wearable devices for the remote measurement of vital signs.