JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The Smart sENsor Devices fOr rehabilitation and Connected health (SENDOC) study introduced wearable sensor systems to ageing communities in remote areas of Sweden, Finland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom to assess the technical, clinical, and social acceptability of sensors, and their impact on care delivery to patients in rural communities. Wearable devices can diagnose, monitor and manage neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

Objective:

As part of the SENDOC project, this study aims to understand the views and needs of people with Parkinson’s disease regarding wearable devices for monitoring the disease and assisting its management.

Methods:

The study employed a mixed methods parallel design, wherein survey and focus-groups were concurrently conducted with people with Parkinson’s disease in Munster, Ireland. Surveys and focus group schedules were developed with significant input from people with Parkinson’s disease. The participants for focus-groups were purposively sampled for variation in age (all >50 years) and sex. For the survey, simple descriptive statistics were used to represent the data. Focus groups were analysed for common themes using a qualitative thematic approach. The survey and focus groups analysis occurred separately, with results integrated using a narrative approach.

Results:

Thirty-two surveys were completed by people with Parkinson’s disease. Four semi-structured focus-groups were held with 24 people with Parkinson’s disease. Participants were overall positive about wearable devices and perceived benefits of wearable devices in the management of symptoms, especially that of motor dexterity. Wearable devices should demonstrate clinical usefulness, be user-friendly and comfortable. Participants tended to see wearable devices mainly in terms of providing data for healthcare professionals more than in providing feedback for themselves, although this was also important. Barriers to use include poor hand function, average technology confidence, and potential cost. It was felt that wearable device design that considers the user’s needs would ensure compliance and adoption.

Conclusions:

Wearable devices that allow remote monitoring and assessment could improve healthcare access for patients who live remotely or are unable to travel. The Covid-19 pandemic has increased the use of remotely delivered healthcare and accordingly, the future integration of technology with healthcare will be crucial. Inclusion of people with Parkinson’s disease in the design of technology is likely to be rewarded with improved user engagement and adoption of and compliance with wearable devices, potentially leading to more accurate disease management, including self-management.