Medical alert systems of the past carried a negative stigma of dependence, but they provide crucial emergency monitoring — both in and out of home — for those who wear them. With advances in smartwatch technology and innovative new applications, alert systems are evolving to become multipurpose devices for users, providing them and their respective caregivers with more information to respond quickly to emergency events.
One of the leading solutions on the market is from MobileHelp, whose smartwatch-based medical alert systems are integrated with nationwide wireless voice, data and GPS tracking technology. These solutions provide both real-time monitoring services and location tracking. If someone wearing one of the MobileHelp devices needs help, the smartwatch can deliver expedited personal emergency assistance, whether they are at home or out and about.
I recently spoke with Chris Otto, senior vice president of MobileHelp Healthcare, a division of MobileHelp, about how the company is reimagining emergency response in collaboration with Samsung.
“For us, offering a wearable is a little more discreet and overcomes that [negative] barrier, which is much easier to adopt from a consumer perspective,” Otto said. “We have a very robust customer service and technical support team, so we provide a lot of training with our providers on the front end, but we also support them throughout the rollout. So, if there are any questions or concerns, [users] can reach out to our team directly and we help over the phone every day.”
When the MobileHelp medical alert system is triggered from a smartwatch, a signal is sent to a monitoring system. The situation is then assessed and, if necessary, medical personnel are dispatched or family members are contacted.
The smartwatch also integrates the Samsung Health application to allow users to track their daily activity, check their heart rate, and set fitness and diet targets. This additional functionality means the device is not just viewed as an alert system, but as part of an overall wellness plan, increasing user compliance.
“If a patient’s not going to use a device, it’s not going to work,” Otto said. Which is why it’s so important to offer smartwatch wearers a holistic, engaging strategy.
For more insights on mobile home health technology, download our in-depth guide, “From the Hospital to the Home.”
