JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Physical activity plays a crucial role in healthcare, providing benefits in the prevention and management of many non-communicable diseases. Wearable activity trackers provide an opportunity to monitor and promote physical activity in various healthcare settings.

Objective:

This study aimed to develop a consensus-based framework for the optimal use of wearable activity trackers in healthcare.

Methods:

A four-round Delphi survey was conducted, involving a panel (n=58) of healthcare professionals, health service managers and researchers. Round 1 employed open-response questions to identify overarching themes. Rounds 2 and 3 used 9-point Likert scales to refine participants’ opinions and establish consensus on key factors related to wearable activity tracker use in healthcare, including metrics, device characteristics, clinical populations and settings, and software considerations. Round 3 also explored barriers and mitigating strategies to wearable activity tracker use in clinical settings. Insights from Rounds 1-3 informed a draft checklist designed to guide a systematic approach to wearable activity tracker adoption in healthcare. In Round 4, participants evaluated the draft checklist's clarity, utility, and appropriateness.

Results:

Participation rates for rounds 1 to 4 were 76%, 74%, 74% and 66% respectively. The study found a strong interest in using wearable activity trackers across diverse clinical populations and settings. Key metrics (step count, minutes of physical activity and sedentary time), device characteristics (e.g. easy to charge, comfortable, waterproof, simple data access, easy to navigate and interpret data), and software characteristics (e.g. remote and wireless data access, access to multiple patients’ data) were identified. Various barriers to wearable activity tracker adoption were highlighted, including device-related, patient-related, clinician-related, and system-level issues. The findings culminated in a 12-item draft checklist for using wearable activity trackers in healthcare, with all 12 items endorsed for their utility, clarity and appropriateness in Round 4.

Conclusions:

This study underscores the potential of wearable activity trackers in enhancing patient care across a broad spectrum of healthcare settings. While the benefits of wearable activity trackers are evident, successful integration requires addressing several challenges, from technological developments to patient education and clinician training. Collaboration between wearable activity tracker manufacturers, researchers, and healthcare professionals will be pivotal for implementation of wearable activity trackers in the healthcare sector.