Economic Perspective of the Use of Wearables in Health Care: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the current state of research concerning the cost-effectiveness of wearable health technologies, excluding hearing aids, owing to extensive previous investigation. A systematic review was performed using PubMed, EMBASE/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature to search studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of wearable health devices in terms of quality-adjusted life years and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. The search was conducted on March 28, 2023, and the date of publication did not limit the search. The search yielded 10 studies eligible for inclusion. These studies, published between 2012 and 2023, spanned various locations globally. The studies used data from hypothetical cohorts, existing research, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses. They covered a diverse range of wearable technologies applied in different health care settings, including respiratory rate monitors, pedometers, fall-prediction devices, hospital-acquired pressure injury prevention monitors, seizure detection devices, heart rate monitors, insulin therapy sensors, and wearable cardioverter defibrillators. The time horizons in the cost-effectiveness analyses ranged from less than a year to a lifetime. The studies indicate that wearable technologies can increase quality-adjusted life years and be cost-effective and potentially cost-saving. However, the cost-effectiveness depends on various factors, such as the type of device, the health condition being addressed, the specific perspective of the health economic analysis, local cost and payment structure, and willingness-to-pay thresholds. The use of wearables in health care promises improving outcomes and resource allocation. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and to strengthen the evidence base for health care providers, policymakers, and patients.