Interventions utilizing smartwatches in healthcare: A comprehensive literature review

Abstract

Background: The rise of wearable technology has significantly transformed health management, with smartwatches becoming essential tools for enhancing health and wellness. Their capabilities include monitoring various health metrics and facilitating proactive health management. However, systematic reviews examining the impact of smartwatches on health outcomes remain limited. Aim: This review aims to synthesize the existing evidence on smartwatch interventions in clinical research and assess their effectiveness in improving health-related outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus and PubMed for studies published up to April 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on clinical studies utilizing smartwatches, reporting quantitative health outcomes. Data extraction involved details on target diseases, smartwatch models, study designs, and health outcomes, while quality assessment was performed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool. Results: The search yielded 1,099 records from Scopus and 353 from PubMed, leading to 13 studies that met inclusion criteria. Interventions primarily targeted cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, mental health, and other health issues. Most studies demonstrated moderate methodological quality, with two rated strong. The majority of interventions provided notifications and reminders to enhance patient engagement and adherence. Conclusion: Smartwatches show promise in clinical settings, improving health outcomes across various conditions.