The healthcare field has seen some incredible innovations over the past several years, including the rise of wearable monitoring technology. Specifically, the industry has experienced a major shift in how data is being collected from patients with the emergence of stick-to-skin monitoring devices. From heart rate and heart rhythm to other health indicators, this innovative form of wearable technology is poised to revolutionize healthcare.
At Tapecon, we're already putting our 100+ years of expertise to work to ensure that the healthcare industry has access to the quality stick-to-skin sensors needed to improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Wearable Health Technologies
Wearable health technologies are hardly new. For years, doctors and other healthcare professionals have been sending patients home with wearable sensors and monitors that track everything from skin temperature and heart rate to motion and even blood glucose.
However, stick-to-skin sensors are a significant advancement in this domain, making it possible to track important health information using a sensor that's as small and inconspicuous as a bandage. Unlike wearable medical devices of the past, stick-to-skin sensors can be bent, stretched, and even worn in the shower while recording data with unrivaled precision.
What Are Stick-to-Skin Sensors?
Specifically, stick-to-skin sensors include colorimetric, electronic, and chemical sensors that utilize advanced materials to capture and track health metrics. This data is then either visible in the case of a color-changing label, recorded in the case of a data logger, or transmitted via BLE to a patient's cell phone and seamlessly and securely moved to the cloud where the patient, their caregivers, or loved one can be given access.
The technology behind these sensors is complex, but Tapecon has more than 25 years of experience working with advanced flexible and hybrid electronic solutions—so our team has what it takes to work with forward-thinking engineers and designers to make the most of this innovative technology. Meanwhile, we already have extensive experience producing medical devices in our FDA-registered facility.
Applications in Health and Wellness
There are many potential applications to stick-to-skin health sensors in the healthcare industry. These devices can be made to meet a wide range of real-world applications, with the ability to track everything from hydration levels and UV exposure to other vital health metrics.
With the real-time data provided from these sensors, it may be possible to:
- Ensure timely disease detection and early intervention, which can improve patient outcomes.
- Optimize athletic performance and prevent injuries.
- Monitor sleep patterns to identify sleep-related problems, such as sleep apnea or insomnia.
- Improve adherence to drug delivery and dosage schedules.
- Track physiological indicators of stress to better manage mental health conditions.
- Detect falls and changes in mobility, especially in elderly care.
Benefits of Real-Time Monitoring
Stick-to-skin health sensors are also unique in the sense that they can provide real-time health insights, allowing providers constant access to the data and metrics they need to make informed decisions about a patient's treatment plan. Meanwhile, patients can enjoy fewer trips to the doctor's office. All of this, combined with the convenience, accuracy, and user-friendliness of these sensors can contribute to improved health management and preventative care.
Tapecon's Contribution to Health Technology
For decades, our team at Tapecon has been putting its expertise in printing, electronics, converting, and manufacturing to work for a wide range of industries—and we're excited about the potential to apply this experience to the emerging field of stick-to-skin health sensors. From bonding tape and wearables to shielding tape and more, we already have our fair share of experience in helping customers with this kind of technology.
If you’re interested in the technology or applications of medical skin tapes, check out our podcast with Bret Ludwig, Senior Product Development Engineer at 3M.
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With over 100 years of manufacturing experience, Tapecon works with product teams to solve challenges, create products, and enhance lives. Learn more about our stick-to-skin applications.
