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Remote and at-home data collection: Considerations for the NIH HEALthy Brain and Cognitive Development (HBCD) study
Sean C L Deoni1, Viren D'Sa2, Alexandra Volpe2
1Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Discovery & Tools, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA; Advanced Baby Imaging Lab, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
|January 16, 2022
Summary
Remote biosensors can help the NIH HEALthy Brain and Cognitive Development (HBCD) study reach rural communities disproportionately affected by in utero substance exposure. This technology complements traditional methods to improve child neurodevelopment research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- The NIH HEALthy Brain and Cognitive Development (HBCD) study investigates in utero substance and environmental exposures' impact on child neurodevelopment.
- Opioid exposure disproportionately affects rural areas, yet these communities are often under-represented in large-scale clinical research due to participation burdens.
- Traditional research methods may exclude rural populations, creating a mismatch between study focus and participant accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of consumer biosensors for remote data collection in the HBCD study.
- To assess the feasibility of engaging rural communities affected by substance exposure using these technologies.
- To expand the reach and inclusivity of neurodevelopmental research.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing the capabilities of wearables, 'nearables', and other consumer biosensors for continuous physiologic and environmental data collection.
- Evaluating the potential for remote in situ data collection to overcome geographical and logistical barriers.
- Considering how these technologies can complement traditional lab-based assessments.
Main Results:
- Consumer biosensors offer a promising avenue for remote data collection, facilitating in situ assessments.
- These technologies can potentially increase engagement with rural and underserved communities.
- Remote monitoring can supplement traditional methods, expanding research scope and representativeness.
Conclusions:
- Wearable and biosensor technologies hold significant potential to enhance the HBCD study's ability to include rural populations.
- Remote data collection can help bridge the gap between research objectives and the participation capacity of affected communities.
- Integrating these technologies offers a valuable complement to existing methods, broadening the impact of child neurodevelopment research.