Perceptions of digital technology use for monitoring health in people living with neurological disorders.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Digital technology offers individuals the opportunity to monitor their symptoms. Information gathered from apps, devices, and web platforms may be used to direct clinical care and to support research. AIM: Using this survey, we aim to explore the views of people attending the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC) and their relatives/caregivers regarding the use of digital health technologies to monitor health. METHOD: People attending the ARRNC were invited to complete a structured 18-item questionnaire evaluating their experience and attitudes to using technology for monitoring health. People with neurodegenerative disease (pwND) and their caregivers completed a mix of closed and open-ended questions. RESULTS: 249 people responded, 51 relatives/caregivers and 198 pwND. 67.1% (n= 167) of respondents do not use technology for monitoring their health, but 98.2% (n = 164) of these are interested in their future use. 29.7% (n = 74) respondents currently use a smartphone for health monitoring, 20.9% (n = 52) use a wearable device, and 13.3% (n = 33) use a tablet. 79.3% (n = 65) of users use their technology for monitoring physical activity, 37.8% (n = 31) use it for assisting with self-management, and 41.5% (n = 34) use it for tracking sleep. Factors which would encourage use of technology are ease of access to devices and ability to monitor health. Respondents reported data security concerns and difficulty using technology as potential barriers. CONCLUSION: People attending a neurology clinic, and their relatives/caregivers, support the use of digital technologies as an adjunct to routine care. There is a need for coordinated digital strategies for development and delivery of validated measures.