A Digital Intervention for Capturing the Real-Time Health Data Needed for Epilepsy Seizure Forecasting: Protocol for...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Digital Health
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by unpredictable seizures, significantly impacting patients' quality of life.
• Existing treatments do not fully control seizures for a substantial portion of individuals with epilepsy.
• The unpredictability of seizures is a major concern, driving the need for advanced seizure forecasting solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a digital intervention using wearable technology for real-time, individualized seizure forecasting in epilepsy.
• To report the protocol for a workstream focused on designing and testing a prototype for capturing real-time input data for predictive modeling.
• To collaboratively design a prototype and conduct an 'in-the-wild' usability study for refinement.

Main Methods:

• A person-based approach was used for prototype design and usability testing.
• Phase 1 involved co-design sessions with epilepsy patients and healthcare professionals to define user requirements.
• Phase 2 will be an 'in-the-wild' usability study deploying a functional prototype for 4 weeks, collecting mixed-methods data on feasibility, acceptability, and engagement.

Main Results:

• Phase 1 co-design engaged 22 individuals, leading to a functional prototype tracking evidence-based and personalized seizure precipitants.
• The upcoming Phase 2 usability study is expected to yield insights for prototype refinement and future development.
• Phase 2 completion is anticipated in the last quarter of 2024.

Conclusions:

• The ATMOSPHERE study is developing a user-centered, noninvasive wearable device for epilepsy seizure forecasting.
• Collaborative design and usability testing aim to address the need for predictive seizure forecasting technologies.
• This technology leverages predictive analytics and personalized machine learning to potentially improve epilepsy management and quality of life.