Utilization of Wearable Pedometer Devices in the Perioperative Period: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Perioperative Medicine
• Digital Health
• Patient Monitoring

Background:

• Functional capacity assessment is crucial for perioperative risk stratification, but objective and economical methods are limited.
• Mobile device pedometers offer a nonintrusive, objective approach to measuring patient activity levels.
• This systematic review evaluates pedometer data's value in predicting perioperative outcomes.

Approach:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science.
• Inclusion of 18 studies assessing the correlation between perioperative pedometer data and outcomes.
• Analysis focused on both preoperative and postoperative pedometer readings, including oncologic surgery patients.

Key Points:

• Preoperative pedometer readings consistently correlated with postoperative complication rates.
• In-hospital postoperative pedometer readings predicted postdischarge complications and readmissions.
• Perioperative pedometer data showed a consistent and biologically plausible association with patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Pedometer readings present a promising, objective method for functional capacity assessment in the perioperative setting.
• Further research is needed to validate pedometer use and optimize its application for improved patient outcomes.
• Integrating pedometer data into perioperative care pathways could enhance risk stratification and management.