Objective: Explore usability and feasibility of an optimised smartwatch to monitor medication intake in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP).

Background: Digital health technology (DHT) can provide objective insights into the effect of medication in PwP. Utilising DHT may aid optimal medication adjustments for PwP, but high-quality data collection depends on DHT usability and feasibility. Our preliminary research used DHT to examine medication effects on mobility in PwP and identified the need to optimise the smartwatch [1]. Further research is needed to determine whether incorporating user feedback improved usability and feasibility.

Method: PwP were recruited, in two phases, to interact with a DHT system over 7-days. In the first phase, 30 PwP (median age: 64y/o, UPDRS-III: 30.5) used a smartwatch linked to a smartphone application. At medication times, the smartwatch sent vibrating notifications with participants responding ‘Yes/No’ on the watch face and recording intakes outside of pre-set times. After 7-days participants reported device usability through free text responses, which were analysed using content analysis. To assess smartwatch feasibility, the number of notifications responded to was compared to the expected number, with feasibility threshold at ≥68% [1]. In the first study phase, participants responded to 61% of smartwatch notifications over 7-days and reported that the smartwatch had “missing” notifications, a “small screen” that was “easy to get confused”, and “difficult to fasten” strap [1]. Smartwatches were replaced by a model with a larger screen, magnetic strap, and audible reminders, the app was optimised, and participants had more smartwatch ‘practice time’. An additional 25 PwP (median age: 68y/o, UPDRS-III: 32) used optimised smartwatch and completed the same protocol.

Results: Following smartwatch optimisation, feasibility improved by 16%, with second phase participants responding to 77% of notifications over 7-days – meeting feasibility threshold (Figure1). Smartwatch usability also improved, with second phase participants reporting that the smartwatch was “easy to use” and “easy to get on/off”, but some notifications were still missing.

Conclusion: The improved smartwatch feasibility and usability highlight the importance of pilot-testing DHT prior to implementation in clinical settings and highlights the potential for such technology to aid patient self-management.

Smartwatch Notification Response Rate over 7-days

References: 1.Debelle H et al. 2023

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/exploring-usability-and-feasibility-of-an-optimised-smartwatch-to-monitor-medication-intake-in-parkinsons-disease/