Objective: To investigate the impact of eHealth on Parkinson’s care, focusing on technology acceptance and examining ethical, legal, social, and medical aspects of wearables.

Background: The increasing prevalence of idiopathic or atypical Parkinson’s syndromes presents new challenges in healthcare delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the strain on the healthcare system, both in outpatient and inpatient settings, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. eHealth technologies have emerged as a viable approach to providing adequate care remotely and have the advantage of objectively measuring motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite these advancements, the integration of such technologies into routine PD care has been delayed, and concerns and barriers to integration among people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPDs) have not been systematically documented.

Method: Eighteen PwPDs were categorized as users (15) and non-users (3) to assess barriers and reasons for rejecting technology. Data collection and analysis employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative instruments such as the UPDRS-III and MoCA with qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted before and after using an eHealth wearable. Qualitative content analysis was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, which explores influences on behavioral intention and technology use.

Results: Reasons for not using eHealth technologies included concerns about privacy, limitations in usability, and a perceived lack of personal benefit. Social implications included work and social settings, with concerns about public stigmatization. Legal and ethical concerns centered around privacy and continuous monitoring. PwPDs valued the minimal impact of wearables and preferred occasional use based on acute treatment needs. Optimizing care and gaining information were key benefits, with wearables seen as a supplement to medical care.

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant potential of eHealth technologies in enhancing PD care and provides insights into the acceptance and implications of these technologies among PwPDs. By addressing ethical, legal, social, and medical aspects, it informs healthcare practitioners and policymakers about the challenges and opportunities associated with adopting wearable technology in PD care.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/ehealth-technologies-for-people-with-parkinsons-acceptance-implications/