"Empowering Postoperative Care through Smart Wearables: Transforming Surgical Recovery and Nursing Practice"

Abstract: Advancements in digital health technology have revolutionized postoperative care, with smart wearable devices emerging as valuable tools for continuous patient monitoring and recovery optimization. These devices—ranging from activity trackers and biosensors to smart garments—enable real-time assessment of physiological parameters, mobility, and wound healing. Smart wearables facilitate early detection of complications, improve patient engagement, and provide data-driven insights to healthcare professionals. For nurses, the integration of wearable technology reshapes roles in assessment, patient education, and clinical decision-making. This review explores the applications of smart wearables in surgical recovery, their advantages and limitations, and the nursing implications for safe, ethical, and effective use. A holistic framework is discussed emphasizing nurse-led technology adoption, patient empowerment, and evidence-based postoperative monitoring.