Objective: This study aims to prototype a measurement device for the continuous assessment of non-motor symptoms like pain in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their seamless integration into existing digital healthcare systems.

Background: The assessment of pain as a prominent non-motor symptom of PD is crucial in clinical practice. The assessments are routinely conducted during vital sign measurements using standardized scales. However, these assessments are restricted to scheduled time points and do not account for fluctuations during the day. Addressing this gap, our study focuses on designing a device that enables patients to report non-motor symptoms and integrate the corresponding samples with the timestamps automatically into digital platforms.

Method: For developing the appropriate devices, we systematically identified the key constraints to be considered in the development process given well-established scales. To account for the heterogeneous patient population with PD, we aimed for a separate device independent of smartphones or touchscreens. To further improve human-computer interaction, we designed its appearance to resemble the well-known ship telegraphs utilized through the rotation of a handle, facilitating the placement of the small device on a surface. In clinical reality, the device must operate on battery power for portability and employ energy-efficient wireless communication for interoperability with digital systems.

Results: Based upon the defined constraints, a corresponding prototype was digitally designed and manufactured using a consumer-grade 3D printer, incorporating standard electronic components. Currently, initial feedback is obtained from physicians to further improve the design of the device and the associated scale. The next steps will be the validation in clinical practice, for which ethical approval has already been obtained, and integration into existing digital systems within the hospital.

Conclusion: We introduce an innovative approach to real-time monitoring and integration of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease care. Through rapid prototyping, we developed a user-friendly device independent of healthcare providers, prioritizing patient autonomy and subjective experience. This advancement holds promise for enhancing clinical assessment and management strategies in Parkinson’s disease by focusing on patient-centered and remote treatment scenarios.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/designing-a-device-for-real-time-monitoring-and-digital-integration-of-non-motor-symptoms/