Healthcare organizations (HCOs) are increasingly utilizing wearable devices to empower patients in their own healthcare, according to a report from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and KLAS Research. However, broader adoption of these devices requires improved security and connectivity.

To achieve this, HCOs are working to combine personal technologies with healthcare, with a focus on data security and interoperability. This has the potential to lead to more effective, proactive, and patient-centric care. The report suggests that it will also give patients a larger role in managing their health.

The top uses for wireless technology among health IT executives surveyed included telehealth for clinicians, wireless Voice over Internet Protocol, video monitoring, cellular connectivity throughout premises, Radio Frequency Identification/Real-Time Location Systems, telemetry over Internet Protocol, wander management/patient elopement/infant abduction, and patient wearables integrated with the EHR. These findings are based on a survey representing the digital footprint of about 40% of U.S. hospitals.