Basic technology and proper usage of home health monitoring devices

Abstract

Home health monitoring devices are consumer-grade devices that help to monitor the health of individuals at home. These devices are usually low-cost and easily procurable, and they can be operated by patients or their caretakers with minimal training. However, improper usage of these devices may provide erroneous results, which can lead to an unnecessary hospital visit or teleconsultation. In this article, we discuss the basic technology and proper usage of some of these devices, namely automatic blood pressure monitors, blood glucose monitors, body fat monitors, pulse oximeters, electrocardiographs, digital thermometers, and infrared thermometers. This brief document intends to help primary health care professionals and their patients use these devices.