Using Fitness Trackers for Health Monitoring During Responsible Self-Treatment

The paper analyzes the features of using fitness trackers and similar devices to monitor health during responsible self-medication and medical self-prevention. The methodological basis of the study was the analysis of scientific publications and generalized practical experience. The characteristics of fitness trackers and similar devices are considered. It is shown that fitness trackers and similar devices cannot be used independently as medical measuring devices due to insufficient accuracy, however, they can be elements of a home monitoring system for responsible self-medication. A home monitoring system for responsible self-medication (fitness trackers, smartphones and stationary medical measuring devices) ensures observation of the required indicators both at rest and in dynamics, which allows for automatic assessment of the condition, support for patient decision-making and further recommendations, in particular, on the need to visit a doctor. A visit to a doctor with existing data allows him/her to make a diagnosis and take the necessary therapeutic or preventive actions with greater accuracy. Practical recommendations for choosing fitness trackers are given.