Socially Distanced Data Collection: Lessons Learned Using Electronic Bluetooth Scales to Assess Weight

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Remote Patient Monitoring
• Health Technology Adoption

Background:

• Electronic Bluetooth scales (e-scales) offer potential for remote weight assessment.
• Assessing engagement predictors is crucial for implementing remote health technologies.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for remote monitoring solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze predictors of engagement with e-scales for remote weight assessment.
• To evaluate the feasibility of using e-scales in a remote trial setting.
• To identify demographic factors influencing e-scale adoption.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 150 participants in an ongoing trial were invited to receive an e-scale.
• Participants had one month to complete a weigh-in, with email, text, and phone reminders.
• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• 50% of participants (75 out of 150) elected to receive an e-scale.
• Older participants (p=.05) and a higher proportion of females (p<.01) were more likely to sign up.
• An average of 2.6 reminders were needed; 70 participants completed a weigh-in.

Conclusions:

• Half the study sample adopted e-scales for remote weight monitoring.
• Engagement was higher among older adults and women.
• Targeted strategies are needed to improve uptake among men and younger adults for remote health technologies.