Integrating Garmin Wearable Data into FHIR-Based Health Systems for Improved Interoperability

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Informatics
• Wearable Technology Integration

Background:

• Patient-Generated Health Data (PGHD) from wearables is increasingly prevalent.
• Integrating PGHD into clinical systems is crucial for modern healthcare.
• Smartwatch data (e.g., heart rate, activity) offers valuable health insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the integration of wearable data into FHIR-based healthcare systems.
• To evaluate data compatibility with FHIR standards and platforms like Fitrockr and MORE.
• To assess the feasibility of transferring wearable data to FHIR servers for clinical use.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Garmin Vívoactive 4 smartwatch for data collection.
• Employed the Fitrockr platform for data processing and FHIR alignment.
• Evaluated dataset compatibility with the Modular Open Research Environment (MORE) platform and FHIR.
• Examined data transfer feasibility to FHIR servers.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated alignment of wearable data (heart rate, steps, sleep) with FHIR resources (Observation, Device, Patient).
• Confirmed compatibility of collected datasets with FHIR standards via the MORE platform.
• Showcased the feasibility of transferring wearable records to FHIR servers.

Conclusions:

• Semantic interoperability simplifies PGHD integration into Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and hospital systems.
• Enhanced data integration supports medical decision-making and Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS).
• Collaborative use of standards (FHIR, openEHR, OMOP) ensures consistent, meaningful wearable data integration for clinical practice and research.