The Role of Information Technology in Wearable Health Technology
As technology advances, wearable technologies have integrated themselves into the daily lives of many. Marketed as wellness gadgets, smartwatches produced by Apple or activity trackers from Fitbit have aided millions of consumers in gaining greater control of their health and lives. According to Kang et al. (2022), “wearable technologies are seamlessly embedded portable computers worn on the body”. These devices monitor individual health conditions such as physical activity, sleep, heart rate and rhythm, and even electrolyte levels and glucose levels (Kang et al., 2022). With various wearable technologies being as small as a smart ring from the Oura brand for instance, these technologies are complex and rely on a strong foundation. Wearable technologies function due to information technology (IT) for the collection, transmission, and analysis of personal health data.
The widespread use of wearables has not only been driven by the interest of consumers for fitness and wellness, but also by the healthcare industry’s increasing reliance on remote monitoring. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients and healthcare providers alike turned to Telehealth to monitor health from afar (LaBoone et al., 2024). The integration of wearable technologies alongside healthcare has transformed patient care, for both the perspectives of the patient and the provider.
Wearable technology has already made an impact on lives, and has great potential for further use in the future alongside IT. However, with the rapid growth and usage of this technology, concerns about its security, ethical, and social implications have become a larger part of the discussion regarding wearable technology (Kang et al., 2022). This research paper will examine the role of IT in wearable technology and its legal, ethical, social, and security implications. By understanding both the benefits and risks of these technologies, it is ensured that its further integration remains safe, ethical, and equitable for all users.
II. Technology Overview 💻
Wearable technologies of today are mostly treated as smart-by-definition devices, meaning they are embedded with sensors, processors, and connectivity issues that allow for data collection, analyzation, and transmission, rather than passive devices. However, this hasn’t always been the case, and the history of “smart” wearable technology goes as back as the 13th century with the invention of wearable corrective lenses rather than a handheld magnifying glass (Ometov et al., 2021). This continues into the 16th century with the first mechanical watch, the early 17th century with the Abacus ring used to be a compact tool for traders, and to the 1980s with the first computer designed to process data from a next-to-eye mounted camera becoming the ancestor of Google Glasses (Ometov et al., 2021). The “smartness” or innovation of these gadgets lies in their ability to function autonomously, such as the ability to function as a small clock on the wrist or as a tool for convenience. Now, the innovation of wearable technologies looks different, with bigger technological advancements and more complex systems, but the purpose stays the same: to assist users in understanding and managing their lives, whether it be in simple or complex ways.
In present time, wearable technology has expanded its horizons and has empowered individuals to take a proactive approach on their health. Nowadays, wearables offer monitoring of heart rhythms, oxygen saturation, blood sugar, and sleep cycles (Kang et al., 2022). For example, Apple smartwatches have evolved to monitor and interpret electrocardiograms, or EKG for short, which is a medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart (Schroer 2025). Another example is Sleep Doctor, which is an online marketplace that provides wearable technologies that monitor sleep hygiene such as sleep apnea and insomnia (Schroer 2025). These technologies allow individuals to take charge of their health, with different brands and technologies available to fit their personal needs and wants.
Not only do these technologies benefit an individual and their personal uses for wearable technologies, these gadgets and concepts have integrated themselves into healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Telehealth became a leading indicator of the growth of remote medicine, with 76% of hospitals adopting the system (Voltaire et al., 2023). Telehealth is used alongside wearable devices to remotely monitor, blood pressure, heart rate, and weight changes, all of which are data that integrates into cloud storage (Voltaire et al., 2023). In conjunction with these vitals and telehealth visits, this allows physicians to have access to necessary information to better assess and treat patient remotely.
With these examples and instances of the power of technology, it is imperative to understand how these technologies function. In general, information technology, or IT, is the foundation for the function of these wearable technologies. IT infrastructure allows information from wearable technologies to be stored, analyzed, and connected to a cloud, and in cases like Telehealth, into electronic health records. At the core of every wearable device is a sensor. A sensor gathers raw physiological and behavioral information (Zovko et al. 2023). For instance, sensors for accelerometers and gyroscopes detect movement and orientation, photoplethysmography sensors measure heart rate and oxygen saturation, and electrochemical sensors monitor levels for glucose or electrolytes (Ometov et al., 2021). Through data processing and analytics, raw data is converted into metrics that make information meaningful and understandable to uses (Ghadi et al., 2025). For example, raw data such as heart rate and blood oxygen are converted into a trend that users can observe to see the status of their health through data collection.
Once processed, data must be stored and transmitted. Wearable devices, such as Oura rings and Smartwatches, can communicate with smartphones or cloud servers through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This process allows data to be collected and tracked over time and integrated into electronic health records or health management applications, such as the Health App on an iPhone for Apple watches and smartphones (Ometov et al., 2021). By storing this data, users can easily track their long-term trends, as well as allow healthcare providers to monitor patient health without having to constantly monitor a patient in person.
Most recently, modern times utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, and these technologies only improve as time moves forward. These innovative and efficient systems are embedded in wearable technology to detect patterns, predict anomalies, and provide early warnings for users (Zovko et al. 2023). For instance, newer Smartwatches such as the Apple Watch Series 4 and later models can notify and alert users to irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. These models with updated and more accurate systems, allows users to act quickly by sharing this information with healthcare providers. While sometimes inaccurate, having this feature may ease the mind of users and allows them to make active choices. With these systems, users can take proactive steps in their own health, without wasting precious time and other resources.
While current wearable technologies already offer personalized health monitoring and predictive insights, ongoing advancements in sensors, connectivity, and artificial intelligence can expand the ways consumers can use these gadgets. As mentioned already, wearables have been utilizing AI in present times, but IT specialists are currently working to increase the usage of IT and AI in these devices to improve user experience. Additionally, these gadgets have increasingly been introduced into medical workflow, allowing for accessibility, innovation, and efficiency. For example, AI powered wearable technologies are working towards being able to reduce the time consuming and extensive processing steps for hematology, coagulation, and chemistry testing for patients with cancer (LaBoone et al., 2024). AI is also expected to integrate more closely with healthcare systems and Telemedicine to further improve remove monitoring and care, which allows for a larger outreach for patients and providers.
As mentioned, wearables will increasingly utilize AI to improve medical workflow alongside the trust between physicians and patients. While Smartwatches can monitor and detect simple vitals, AI can perform more complex and innovative ways to analyze data. For example, AI powered systems have been able to reduce processing steps for hematology, coagulation, and chemistry testing (LaBoone et al., 2024). They are also expected to integrate more closely with healthcare systems and telemedicine, giving doctors real-time insights into patient health. In the future, wearable technology will be able to further advance, incorporating advanced sensors and integration, personalization, sustainability, and accessibility. Along with AI, there has been a general future vision for wearable technologies. According to Kang et al. (2022), there is interest for potential application of on-teeth sensors, smart contact lenses, electronic epidermal tattoos, smart patches, and even smart textiles. These future technologies can have the ability to not only collect data on heart rhythms or oxygen saturation, but concepts such as detecting glucose in saliva for diabetes management and intraocular pressure to predict and prevent glaucoma (Kanag et al., 2022). With improvement and innovation of IT alongside wearable technologies, many concepts that were once fiction, can now become a reality.
III. Legal, Ethical, and Social Issues 👥
While innovative and useful, wearable technology has raised concern over the protection of individual data, and the usage of this data. While in theory, this data stays between the consumer and the parties they allow to share this information with, there are unclear boundaries that new technology has come across. Because data collected by these gadgets are collected for personal use, and often by technology companies that do not deal in healthcare, the privacy protections provided by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 may not always be available to consumers who use these technologies. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). applies to covered entities, such as healthcare workers, health plans, and healthcare cleaning houses to establish national standards for health care transactions, as well as rules regarding the privacy and security of individualized health information when possessed by certain entities (Katuska 2018). Wearable technologies and their companies are not listed as an entity that is subject to HIPAA federal law, which brings up concern for the safety and integrity of consumer data. With this in mind, there is the possibility that any data that is stored and transmitted through this technology may be disclosed without consent, resulting in personal and professional harm (Katuska 2018).
Whoop Inc., a company known for its wearable fitness trackers, is currently facing a proposed class action lawsuit for allegedly sharing users’ sensitive health information and in-app activity with a third-party tracker without their consent (Eckert 2025). According to the plaintiff, Whoop allegedly shared “personal health data—including heart rate, sleep patterns, stress levels, reproductive health metrics, and video viewing history—without user consent”, and violated the Video Privacy Protection Act (Eckert 2025). While HIPAA sets strict privacy and security rules for healthcare workers, insurers, and their business associates, it unfortunately does not apply to consumer wearable companies like Whoop. Unless Whoop specifically and directly provides services on behalf of a covered entity, HIPAA does not apply. With loopholes like the one presented in this lawsuit, companies with ulterior and harming motives may take advantage of users who are vulnerable to unauthorized data sharing.
The rise of wearable health technology also prompts difficult ethical questions. Many users may agree to terms of service without fully realizing how their data will be used or who has access to it, with the lawsuit of Whoop being an example (Eckert 2025). With continuous use of wearable technology, there may be unnecessary data collected and stored, and it sometimes isn’t clear to users what is collected and what parties have access to their data (Habibipour 2019). Although many technologies and their gadgets utilize End User License Agreements and Terms of Service, many consumers click “I agree” without reading the whole contract and fully understanding the permission they are granting ((Habibipour 2019).
In terms of social implications, there is the issue of inequity for populations who cannot afford or have access to these technologies. Middle to high-class social groups are at a higher advantage in above average lifestyles, as wearable technologies are often expensive and are more attainable for those who can add these devices into their daily life Voltaire et al., 2023). Older adults may have a hard time using wearable technology due to being technologically inept, and devices that require a high level of manual dexterity to operate proved unsuitable for older individuals to easily use (Kang et al., 2022). To be ethical and socially responsible, IT systems must prioritize clarity, fairness, and equal access.
IV. Security Aspects and Challenges 🔐
Wearable health technology is already a large industry and the demand for such technology shows no signs of decreasing. As these technologies become more common, concerns of security and protection of consumers and their data only heightens as well. Along with Whoop, the recent acquisition of Fitbit by Google gave rise to concerns about how personal and health data were going to be used by a tech giant that is active in the AdTech and data commercialization fields (Kang 2022). While industries such as healthcare, allocates millions of funding to ensure a secure and interconnected network, there is always a risk of unwarranted parties accessing information that would target and identify patients (Voltaire et al. 2023). Gaps and breaches in cybersecurity are found when data is transferred from device to device, such as when data is transferred from a smart watch to a smartphone through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (Voltaire et al. 2023). Data can be intercepted if transmission is unencrypted and accessed through insecure Wi-Fi connections, and even exposed through poorly configured cloud storage or third-party integrations (Voltaire et al., 2023; Ometov et al., 2021). While this technology is incredibly impressive, there are gaps and loopholes that put consumers at risk. However, IT and AI can work together to protect users, allowing for a smoother integration of these technologies into many lives.
IT specialists seek to address these risks with protections such as encryption, secure cloud services, and authentication systems (Katuska 2018). Additionally, AI can detect malicious activity in real time, which reduces the risk of cyberattacks and ensures the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive patient information (Ghadi et al., 2025). It may even ensure patient privacy and security with federated learning, encryption, and blockchain to protect sensitive patient data (Ghadi et al., 2025). For example, increasing interference signals by switching from a cellular network medium to a more localized D2D mode may exclude possible eavesdroppers (Ghadi et al., 2025). Another solution is to have companies adopt privacy-by-design principles, limiting data collection to when necessary and when necessary, and provide clear, understandable consent agreements for consumers (Habibipour et al., 2019; Eckert, 2025). Additionally, companies should work alongside with standards such as HIPAA to further protect sensitive health information from breaches (Katsuka 2018). With continued investment in cybersecurity, powered by IT and AI, wearable technologies can be ensured to be trustworthy and safe for widespread use.
V. Conclusion 📃
Wearable health devices highlight the powerful role IT plays in advancing healthcare as well as providing an opportunity for individuals outside of healthcare to take charge of their health and well-being. This paper first discussed the background of wearable devices including its simple beginnings to its modern complex abilities that can monitor a wide range of health metrics and provide trends for interpretation. Then, the integration of IT was discussed, including collection, analysis, and the transmission of health data from wearables to a larger platform. This technology supports individuals and empowers them to take a proactive approach to their health and can even enhance the outcomes and reaches of healthcare. However, while these devices offer significant benefits, the legal, ethical, social, and security concerns were discussed. Regardless of the positive intentions of some companies, other companies seek to profit off the vulnerability of wearable technology consumers. As discussed, regulatory gaps, such as the limited applicability of HIPAA to consumer devices, highlight the importance of informed consent, privacy-by-design principles, and robust cybersecurity measures. However, as quickly as wearable technology has become, the solutions to these gaps and issues are arising too. By addressing these challenges through strong IT infrastructure, thoughtful regulation, and ethical design, wearable health technology can continue to advance safely and effectively. Ultimately, the future success of these tools depends on balancing innovation with the protection and empowerment of consumers.
VI. Annotated Bibliography 🖋
Eckert, B. (2025, February 4). Whoop health privacy lawsuit alleges unauthorized data sharing. Milberg. https://milberg.com/news/whoop-health-privacy-lawsuit/
This resource covers an ongoing lawsuit against Whoop Inc, where the plaintiff claims that this company known for medical wearables is selling consumer data without permission. This source defines the Video Privacy Protection Act, and I can use this alongside the research I have done for HIPAA. This highlights gaps in legislature regarding the status of wearable technologies in usage of health data. This is a good source for when I am discussing security concerns in my research.
Ghadi, Y. Y., Shah, S. F. A., Waheed, W., Mazhar, T., Ahmad, W., Saeed, M. M., & Hamam, H. (2025). Integration of wearable technology and artificial intelligence in digital health for remote patient care. Journal of Cloud Computing, 14(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13677-025-00759-4
This resource discusses the postitve aspects of wearable health technology, the possible solutions that AI may provide in ensuring patient privacy and security such as federated learning, encryption, and blockchain to protect sensitive patient data. This is useful for my research as it discusses security aspects and concerns regarding this technology.
Habibipour, A., Padyab, A., & Ståhlbröst, A. (2019). Social, ethical and ecological issues in wearable technologies. AMCIS 2019 Proceedings, 4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335619320_Social_Ethical_and_Ecological_Issues_in_Wearable_Technologies
This resource discusses the social, ethical, and ecologoical issues related to wearable technologies from end-users’ perspectives. It highlights the perspective of a user when it comes to wearable technologies, which I am able to compare to a healthcare view from the other sources I have used. This article is useful in my research as it gives multiple perspectives regarding wearable technologies.
Kang, H. S., & Exworthy, M. (2022). Wearing the future—Wearables to empower users to take greater responsibility for their health and care: Scoping review. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 10(7), e35684. https://doi.org/10.2196/35684
This article discusses the current use of wearable technology and the role of IT in integrating its data into healthcare systems. It also discusses the different ways wearable technology helps in increasing the range of involvement and empowerment individuals have in their own health. This is helpful for my research as it discusses the current use of this technology.
Katuska, J. T. (2018). Wearing down HIPAA: How wearable technologies erode privacy protections. Journal of Corporation Law, 44(2), 385–401. http://mutex.gmu.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/wearing-down-hipaa-how-wearable-technologies/docview/2345792383/se-2
This resource discusses the implications of wearable health technology on privacy protections under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA applies to covered entities but not individual wearable health technology. This means that any data that is stored and transmitted through this technology may be disclosed without consent, resulting in personal and professional harm. This article is useful for my research as it applies to the legal aspect of my topic.
LaBoone, P. A., & Marques, O. (2024). Overview of the future impact of wearables and artificial intelligence in healthcare workflows and technology. International Journal of Information Management Data Insights, 4(2), 100294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjimei.2024.100294
This resource discusses current uses of wearable technology. It highlights both opportunities, such as early disease detection and improved chronic disease management, and challenges, including data privacy, regulatory compliance, and sensor accuracy. This article is useful for discussing the future use of wearable technology, as it provides insight into how IT integration can enhance patient care while addressing potential risks.
Ometov, A., Shubina, V., Klus, L., Skibińska, J., Saafi, S., Pascacio, P., Flueratoru, L., Quezada Gaibor, D., Chukhno, N., Chukhno, O., Ali, A., Channa, A., Svertoka, E., Qaim, W. B., Casanova-Marqués, R., Holcer, S., Torres-Sospedra, J., Casteleyn, S., Ruggeri, G., Araniti, G., Burget, R., Hosek, J., & Lohan, E. S. (2021). A survey on wearable technology: History, state-of-the-art and current challenges. Computer Networks, 193, 108074. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comnet.2021.108074
This source discusses how IT is used in wearable technologies. It discusses the use of sensors and collection, analysis, and the transmission of health data. This breaks down how exactly IT is used, and is useful for my research when discussing the specific role of IT in wearable devices/ technologies.
Schroer, A. (2025). 16 examples of wearable technology in healthcare and wearable medical devices. Built In. https://builtin.com/articles/wearable-technology-in-healthcare
This resource discusses example of wearable technology. In specific, this discusses how these technologies aid in healthcare and health management. Many of these technologies are uncommon to a general audience, and integrating these examples into my paper demonstrates the diversity of this technology.
Voltaire, I. M., Peart, J., & Edwards, A. M. (2023). Expansion of remote medicine and safety monitoring using wearable devices. Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 15(1), 87–101. http://mutex.gmu.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/expansion-remote-medicine-safety-monitoring-using/docview/2737173140/se-2
This resource discusses the expansion of health resources by wearble health technology to populations such as older adults, chronic disease patients, the general public, and healthcare professionals. However, it also discusses how middle to high-class social groups are at a higher advantage in aboveaverage lifestyles. This article provides insight on populations who cannot afford or access wearable health technology, and is useful for my research as it discusses the social implications of this technology.
Zovko, K., Šerić, L., Perković, T., Belani, H., & Šolić, P. (2023). IoT and health monitoring wearable devices as enabling technologies for sustainable enhancement of life quality in smart environments. Journal of Cleaner Production, 413, 137506. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137506
This source discusses the history of wearable technologies. This resource discusses how wearable technologies have transformed from simple mechanical devices to the devices I will discuss in my paper. This is important to portray a background of what I will be discussing in my research.
VII. Appendix A: Usage of ChatGPT 🤖
1. Citation
OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (September 28 version) [Large language model]. Retrieved from https://chat.openai.com Topic Brainstorming
2. Topic Brainstorming
Prompt: “Provide research topics regarding IT in Healthcare to discuss technology, its benefits, and legal, ethical, and social implications.”
ChatGPT response: Provided multiple topics related to the provided prompt, one of which was “Wearable Health technology (Smartwatches, Continuous Glucose Monitors, Smart Patches”.)
3. Outline Refinement
Prompt: “Can you help me write an outline for my topic: The Role of IT in Wearable Health Technology: Legal, Ethical, Social, and Security Implications?”
ChatGPT response: Provided an outline that included Introduction, Background, Legal Implications, Ethical Implications, Social Implications, Role of IT in Addressing Issues, and Conclusion.
4. Draft Suggestions
Prompt: “What can I add to my subsections to further enhance this paper?”
ChatGPT response: Suggested I use real life examples, add context about trends, add specific technologies.
5. Proofreading Assistance
Prompt: “Review this paragraph and provide suggestions for better grammar and clarity.”
ChatGPT response: Identified errors and provided suggestions.
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