Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5613/rzs.55.2.3
Self-Tracking Between Self-Burden and Self-Optimization: Smartwatches and Health – Perceptions of Key Healthcare Stakeholders
Anamaria Malešević
orcid.org/0000-0002-8162-3183
; Digital healthcare ethics laboratory (Digit-HeaL), Catholic University of Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Wearable digital devices for monitoring body functions have become part of everyday life for many individuals, who use them for self-tracking to achieve health goals, change habits and behaviours, or gain insight into their data. The aim of this study is to analyse the perspectives of key stakeholders in the Croatian healthcare system regarding their intention to use or not use smartwatches, as well as their application in healthcare settings. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 75 key stakeholders, including patients, physicians, policymakers, healthcare managers, jurists,
and IT engineers. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results indicate that only a small portion of participants actively use smartwatches (n=17), while some had previously used them or intend to use them in the future. The main reasons for smartwatch use include self-optimization and self-tracking for better insight into one’s health status. Participants who do not use smartwatches highlighted a lack of interest in health data and criticised self-tracking practices as burdensome and obsessive. There is notable interest in the future use of wearable digital devices, particularly if recommended
by healthcare professionals and perceived as beneficial for improving healthcare. While smartwatches hold significant potential in healthcare, certain prerequisites must be met to enable their effective implementation.
Keywords
smartwatch; wearable technology; self-tracking; healthcare system
Hrčak ID:
347049
URI
Publication date:
31.8.2025.
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