Abstract
BackgroundVital signs monitoring (VSM) is routine for inpatients, but monitoring during free-living conditions is largely untested in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).ObjectiveThis study investigated the usability and acceptability of continuous VSM for people with COPD using wearable multiparameter technology.MethodsIn total, 50 people following hospitalization for an acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and 50 people with stable COPD symptoms were asked to wear an Equivital LifeMonitor during waking hours for 6 weeks (42 days). The device recorded heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), skin temperature, and physical activity. Adherence was defined by the number of days the vest was worn and daily wear time. Signal quality was examined, with thresholds of ≥85% for HR and ≥80% for RR, based on the device’s proprietary confidence algorithm. Data quality was calculated as the percentage of wear time with acceptable signal quality. Participant feedback was assessed during follow-up phone calls.ResultsIn total, 84% of participants provided data, with average daily wear time of 11.8 (SD 2.2) hours for 32 (SD 11) days (average of study duration 76%, SD 26%). There was greater adherence in the stable group than in the post-AECOPD group (≥5 weeks wear: 71.4% vs 45.7%; P=.02). For all 84 participants, the median HR signal quality was 90% (IQR 80%-94%) and the median RR signal quality was 93% (IQR 92%-95%). The median HR data quality was 81% (IQR 58%-91%), and the median RR data quality was 85% (IQR 77%-91%). Stable group BMI was associated with HR signal quality (rs=0.45, P=.008) and HR data quality (rs=0.44, P=.008). For the AECOPD group, RR data quality was associated with waist circumference and BMI (rs=–0.49, P=.009; rs=–0.44, P=.02). In total, 36 (74%) participants in the Stable group and 21 (60%) participants in the AECOPD group accepted the technology, but 10 participants (12%) expressed concerns with wearing a device around their chest.ConclusionsThis wearable multiparametric technology showed good user acceptance and was able to measure vital signs in a COPD population. Data quality was generally high but was influenced by body composition. Overall, it was feasible to continuously measure vital signs during free-living conditions in people with COPD symptoms but with additional challenges in the post-AECOPD context.
Highlights
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide [1]
People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may experience an acute exacerbation, which reduces their quality of life and increases the risk of premature mortality [2]
The acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) group had a lower BMI, more severe dyspnea, more hospital admissions, and more frequent exacerbations, but they were otherwise similar to the Stable group (Table 2)
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide [1]. While often defined by worsening of respiratory symptoms, an AECOPD is associated with changes in heart rate, oxygen saturation [3], and respiratory rate [4], with such vital signs monitored routinely as an inpatient. Transferring this monitoring to the daily lives of outpatients has been challenging but, by doing so, it may be possible to recognize deterioration in health [5,6]. Vital signs monitoring (VSM) is routine for inpatients, but monitoring during free-living conditions is largely untested in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
