By Alexis Kayser
Healthcare Editor
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Wearable technology is becoming more accessible and affordable, making devices like Apple Watches, Fitbits and OURA rings a staple in U.S. households.
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans dons a wearable device, according to one recent survey sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). More than 80 percent of respondents said that they’d be willing to share that data with a clinician.
In response to this consumer enthusiasm, health systems are pouring resources into wearable device programs that promise continuous insight into patients’ health. These devices can monitor everything from heart rate and glucose levels to mobility and sleep patterns, giving doctors an honest read on their habits outside of the clinic.
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But for hospital leaders facing mounting workforce pressures and tightening margins, the question is no longer whether wearables can improve care, but whether they deliver measurable clinical and financial returns at scale.
While wearable-enabled monitoring can improve outcomes for certain patient populations, it also introduces new operational complexity. Continuous patient-generated data streams can place further strain on overburdened clinical teams. They might require new technology infrastructure, and force leaders to rethink staffing models and workflows.
However, if health systems are ever going to invest in wearable devices, the time is now. On January 6, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would limit regulations of wearable devices that are designed to promote health and wellness—sending stocks soaring for companies like Garmin, Dexcom and Medtronic.
To help leaders navigate this complex (and ever-shifting) landscape, Newsweek is convening a panel of experts for our upcoming webinar, “Wearables: What’s the ROI for Health Systems?” The conversation will be livestreamed on Thursday, January 22 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET via Sequel. Health care leaders and stakeholders are invited to register for free at this link.
Our expert panel includes Alex Vannoni (Head of Healthcare Product, WHOOP), Dr. David Battinelli (Executive Vice President and Physician-in-Chief, Northwell Health) and Patrick Sheehan (Vice President of Value-Based Care, Withings). The discussion will be moderated by Alexis Kayser, health care editor at Newsweek.
During the 60-minute event, speakers will discuss:
- Which patient populations see the strongest clinical and financial ROI from wearable programs;
- How health systems are managing the influx of continuous patient-generated data without overwhelming clinicians;
- The operational, staffing and technology investments required to support wearable-enabled monitoring;
- How reimbursement models and value-based care are shaping the business case for wearables;
- What leaders should consider before expanding—or scaling back—wearable device initiatives.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the conversation and interact with panelists via a live chat.
This event is part of a series of Newsweek webinars that will take place throughout 2026, addressing the most critical issues facing health care—including financial pressures, workforce strain, rapid technological change and shifting patient demands.
Registration is now open for the next event, “Preventing Chronic Disease Patients From Falling Through The Cracks,” which will be livestreamed on Tuesday, February 3 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET. Learn more and register at this link.
Stay tuned for details on future events in Newsweek’s health care series, and subscribe to Access Health, our free weekly newsletter, to ensure you don’t miss an update.
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