JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Vital signs monitoring (VSM) is routine for inpatients but monitoring during free-living conditions is largely untested in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Objective:

This study investigated the usability and acceptability of continuous VSM for people with COPD using wearable multiparameter technology.

Methods:

50 people following hospitalisation for an acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and 50 people with stable COPD symptoms were asked to wear an Equivital Lifemonitor during waking hours for 6 weeks. The device recorded heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), skin temperature and physical activity. Number of days the vest was worn, daily wear time, signal quality and data quality were examined. Participant feedback was assessed during follow-up phone calls.

Results:

84% of participants provided data, with average daily wear time of 11.8±2.2 hours for 32±11 days. There was greater adherence in the stable group compared to the post-AECOPD group (≥5 weeks wear: 71.4% vs 45.7%, P=.024). Stable group BMI was associated with HR signal quality (rs=0.45, P=.008) and HR data quality (rs=0.44, P=.008). For AECOPD group, RR data quality was associated with waist circumference and BMI (rs=-0.49, P=.009, and rs=-0.44, P=.016). Overall participants accepted the technology, but some expressed concerns with wearing a device around their chest.

Conclusions:

This wearable multiparametric technology showed good user acceptance and was able to measure vital signs in a COPD population. Data quality was generally high but was influenced by body composition. Overall, it was feasible to continuously measure vital signs during free-living conditions in people with COPD symptoms but with additional challenges in the post-AECOPD context. Clinical Trial: ISRCTN registry; No. ISRCTN12855961.