Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Human Factors
Date Submitted: Jan 9, 2025
Date Accepted: Apr 17, 2025
Feasibility and Acceptability of Collecting At-Home Biometric Measures for Longitudinal Research
ABSTRACT
Background:
The use of individual wearable devices or online applications to collect biometric data from research participants is popular, but several devices may be needed to replace a full set of research measurements.
Objective:
In this study, we assessed the feasibility of a ‘Virtual Home Clinic’ (VHC) within the context of long-term epidemiologic studies.
Methods:
Participants from three study cohorts were recruited. Devices were sent to the home to measure anthropometrics, resting metabolic rate, BP, HR, heart rhythm, O2 saturation, glucose, total cholesterol, physical activity, diet, sleep duration/quality, and arterial stiffness over the course of 1 week. Stool and saliva were also self-collected for microbiome, DNA and cotinine. Feasibility and acceptability of collecting measurements using home devices were assessed.
Results:
One hundred thirty-four participants were enrolled (87% female, 31% Black, mean age 54.2 ± 8.4). Ninety-one percent (N=122) performed at least one of the home tests. At least two-thirds of participants were able to complete all of the requested readings for glucose, ECG, BP, diet record and resting metabolic rate. The scale that measured weight, body composition, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) was more difficult to use (84% recorded at least one weight and 63% recorded a PWV). The device to measure total cholesterol was least successful (24% completed all readings, 54% provided at least one result). Return of biospecimens was highly successful (86% saliva and 84% stool). Of 95 who responded to the user acceptability survey, 40% preferred home assessment, 38% clinic, and 22% did not have a preference. The mean user acceptability score across devices for ease of use was 4.3 ± 1.0, for instructions was 4.5 ± 0.7 and for time to use was 3.9 ± 1.1 (scale of 1-5, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability). The study team documented several regulatory/IT, connectivity/account, data retrieval, and logistical issues encountered during the study.
Conclusions:
Despite several complications involved with managing multiple devices and applications, most of the components of the VHC were reasonably feasible and acceptable to participants. Clinical Trial: Not Applicable
Citation
Per the author's request the PDF is not available.
Copyright
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