Individual Use of Smartwatches with Self-Monitoring EKG Functionality for Diagnosing Arrhythmias: A Scoping Review (Preprint)

BACKGROUND cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become prevalent in the world. They cause millions of deaths globally with the World Health Organization putting the figure at 17.9 million people every year. These statistics indicate the need for healthcare systems to leverage contemporary advanced technology to detect and diagnose CVDs and provide appropriate and timely care to reduce mortality rates. OBJECTIVE To conduct a scoping review exploring individual use of smartwatches with self-monitoring ECG functionality for diagnosing arrhythmias. METHODS Source were selected from six credible bibliographic databases: PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Intervention-related terms were used to identify relevant sources. Additionally, a forward search strategy was used to search the databases and identify appropriate peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS The research returned 230 sources, out of which 40 met the inclusion criterion. The studies revealed that increased research, development, and adoption of smartwatches and other wearable devices have intensified in the past two decades. The studies showed that using smartwatches can detect cardiac arrhythmias although this depends on the algorithms and biometric sensors utilized in the smartwatches. Watches with advanced algorithms, PPG, and EKG functionalities exhibit high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, detecting AFib and other arrhythmias with high efficacy. Therefore, the best way for technology companies to improve their watches’ accuracy is to design and use advanced algorithms and combine PPG, EKG, activity, and biochemical sensors. Conclusion: The contemporary healthcare space is replete with wearable and non-wearable ¬systems and devices central to detecting health conditions and informing the relevant stakeholders to take corrective actions. Smartwatches are wearable devices used chiefly by patients, health, and fitness enthusiasts to detect and monitor a series of conditions, such as heart rate. Their use has fostered timely detection of cardiac arrhythmias, and therefore, caregivers and policy-makers should emphasize their use. CONCLUSIONS Technological systems have proliferated many human spaces in the last three decades, including education, healthcare, and entertainment. Their use has improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, saved lives, and increased organizations’ bottom lines. Healthcare systems use technological devices and appliances to diagnose patients, perform surgeries, improve pharmacy operations, and reduce medical errors. That way, most healthcare facilities provide quality care, attaining positive clinical outcomes. The contemporary healthcare space is replete with wearable and non-wearable ¬systems and devices central to detecting health conditions and informing the relevant stakeholders – caregivers, patients, and family members – to take corrective actions. Smartwatches are wearable devices used chiefly by patients, health, and fitness enthusiasts to detect and monitor a series of conditions, such as heart rate. They are highly effective in detecting cardiac arrhythmias, and therefore, caregivers and policy-makers should emphasize their use.