Expert Available to Comment on How Wearable Technology Could Detect, Track COVID-19 Pandemic

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.—Robert Furberg, PhD, a Research Health Informaticist at RTI International—a nonprofit research institute—is available to comment on the benefit of wearable technology and sensors for public health research in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers are now exploring how data from wearable technology and apps could help detect and track signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

As the spread of COVID-19 continues, Dr. Furberg shares in a recent blog, that we should expect to see an increase in the use of wearable sensors and technology to help track and promote public health. In addition to monitoring symptoms and warning signs of COVID-19, these devices can also contribute to long-term secondary effects of the pandemic such as sleep quality, as well as psychological and physical impacts.

Wearable technology is also expected to play a role in telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. These devices allow health care providers to monitor a patient’s health over time, further eliminating the need for face to face contact.

Dr. Furberg has led interdisciplinary research and development teams at RTI to implement and evaluate digital interventions for health promotion, disease prevention and treatment. He was a part of the launch of RTI’s Wearables Research and Analytic Platform (WRAP) earlier this year, which aims to support the use of wearable technology, streamlining and securing data collection and offering new ways to process collected data from RTI study participants.

To request an interview, contact the RTI Newsroom at news@rti.org.