Wearables (IT)
Published on: 18th June 2020 | Updated on: 12th August 2026
Wearables are devices that people wear to track health and wellbeing information, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers and some medical monitoring devices. Many wearables connect to mobile apps and can help people monitor information such as activity levels, heart rate, sleep patterns and other health measures.
Wearables are playing an increasing role in digital healthcare. NHS plans for more care closer to home include greater use of remote monitoring technologies and patient-generated health data.
Some wearables can collect health information that may support care and treatment.
In some circumstances, and with appropriate patient consent, data from wearables or connected apps may be shared with healthcare services or used within remote monitoring programmes. This can help healthcare professionals monitor long-term conditions and identify potential health issues earlier.
The NHS is also expanding the use of remote monitoring tools and digital services that allow people to share health information from home through digital channels, including the NHS App.
If you are discussing wearables with patients, encourage them to:
- Choose products from reputable suppliers;
- Check independent reviews and evidence supporting the product’s claims;
- Review how their personal information will be used and shared;
- Consider whether the wearable and its connected app meet their needs; and
- Seek professional advice if they intend to use a wearable to help manage a health condition.
You should also consider any relevant guidance relating to the app connected to the wearable. Read more on our Apps webpage.
Patients can find information about health apps, wearable technology and digital health tools on the NHS website.
The NHS App and NHS remote monitoring services are also being expanded to support more people to manage aspects of their health from home.
Patients and pharmacy teams can help improve wearable technologies by providing feedback and reporting concerns where appropriate.
Give feedback
Share positive and negative feedback with the wearable supplier using the contact details provided on its website.
Leave a review
Reviews can help other people make informed choices when selecting wearable technology.
Report concerns
If you have concerns about a wearable device or its connected app, you may wish to report these to:
- Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): concerns about the handling or misuse of personal data;
- Learn from Patient Safety Events (LFPSE) service: concerns about patient safety incidents;
- NHS Identity team: concerns about inappropriate use of NHS branding or NHS logos; or
- The wearable supplier – for product-specific questions, concerns or complaints.
See also: Process for feeding back or reporting about apps.
For more information on this topic please email it@cpe.org.uk
