Wearable medical devices: What is important?

KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports Are Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) -- Wearable medical devices are growing in popularity. Many of us wear watches that can check our heart rate, number of steps and even blood pressure. But with so many devices, what is important? 

According to a new report, the number one characteristic is if it is accurate. 

For instance, it is not enough to know heart rate, but we need to know what the person is doing and how it impacts heart rate. 

If doctors are going to use the information, it needs to be filtered. In other words, doctors don't need to see everything, just important things. 

The data should be integrated. Where does it go? It needs to go into a person's medical record. 

Finally, the transmission needs to be passive. It should flow automatically. People often don't send things on time. They don't want to worry about it. It should just flow out.