Issued2026-08-06

GAO-26-107847 – Wearable Technologies: Potential Benefits and Challenges in Clinical Decision-Making

Technology AssessmentFederal

Summary

Assesses clinical uses of wearables and AI augmentation, and presents three policy options: continuing current activities, improving clinical workflow integration, and incentivizing better device performance through independent certification and a public device database.

Healthcare Implications

Offers nonbinding policy options for lawmakers, agencies, health systems and developers concerning validation, clinical responsibilities, patient-data protection and selection of AI-augmented wearables. It does not create a certification requirement or authorize autonomous clinical decisions.

Impact Level

Low

Keywords

Transparency & Governance; Safety & Risk; Clinical Quality & Efficacy; Privacy & Data

Stakeholders

Regulators & Government; Providers & Health Systems; Developers & Vendors; Patients & Public