Pilot study for the use of wearable devices for patients undergoing oral chemotherapy.

Abstract

e14103 Background: The rapid development of digital technology holds enormous potential to transform the delivery of cancer care. Despite these digital innovations, we still face significant challenges in healthcare in using these emerging digital technologies in the clinical setting. Clinicians generally underestimate the severity and extent of chemotherapy toxicity of patients. This project seeks to conduct an exploratory field study to collect patient feedback on their experiences, and the design/functionality of the prototype of the digital health service platform designed to monitor their symptoms. Methods: Using the National Cancer Institute item library addressing the most common symptoms for chemotherapy toxicity, a digital health platform was designed by Samsung Research America (SRA) and University Hospitals. Patients age ≥ 18 years old, willingness to agree to the consent document, ability to understand use of wearable device and willingness to answer patient reported outcomes questions were included in this study. Patients who are not undergoing oral chemotherapy treatment for their cancer were excluded. Patients were given a phone that had our designed platform along with a watch. The watch had the capability of tracking blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse oximetry. Patients were set up with an electronic account that queried them on patient Reported Outcomes (PRO) regarding potential toxicity they may be experiencing. They were also able to track medication consumption and input their weight. Subjects were be asked to use the wearable device and phone for at least 28 days and no more than 90 days. At the end of the study, a phone survey was attempted. Results: Total patients enrolled: 21. 18/21 (85.7%) patients completed the 90 days of the study. Only 9 patients provided PRO with total number of side effects reported 28 times. Watch device was only utilized by 15/21 (71.4%) patients. On an average across 90 days, these patients wore the watch 430 minutes per day. At the end of the treatment, 5 patients agreed to participate in the phone survey. Three patients stated that they would do similar study in the future noting that the digital platform helped them stay on track and monitor symptoms accurately. Every patient questioned had a complaint regarding the watch functionality. Patients also found it difficult to carry a second phone in addition to their personal phone. Conclusions: Improving our digital health service platform will get us closer to achieving effective bi-lateral patient communication and ultimately improving patient care.