Wearables in Nephrology: Fanciful Gadgetry or Prêt-à-Porter?

Abstract

Telemedicine and digitalised healthcare have recently seen exponential growth, led, in part, by increasing efforts to improve patient flexibility and autonomy, as well as drivers from financial austerity and concerns over climate change. Nephrology is no exception, and daily innovations are underway to provide digitalised alternatives to current models of healthcare provision. Wearable technology already exists commercially, and advances in nanotechnology and miniaturisation mean interest is also garnering clinically. Here, we outline the current existing wearable technology pertaining to the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with a spectrum of kidney disease, give an overview of wearable dialysis technology, and explore wearables that do not yet exist but would be of great interest. Finally, we discuss challenges and potential pitfalls with utilising wearable technology and the factors associated with successful implementation.

Keywords

• wearables
• telemedicine
• nephrology
• chronic kidney disease
• dialysis
• transplantation