An App-Based Remote Patient Monitoring System With Wrist and In-Ear Wearables in Gastrointestinal Oncology:...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Patient Monitoring

Background:

• Outpatient cancer treatments, including targeted therapies, are increasing.
• Remote patient monitoring (RPM) between therapy sessions can improve patient care and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a new app-based RPM system (bwHealthApp).
• To capture patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and vital parameters using wearables.
• To evaluate adherence, acceptance, and satisfaction with the system and compare wearable types.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 31 outpatients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing systemic therapy.
• Patients used the bwHealthApp for 1 month to record electronic PROs (ePROs) and vital signs via wrist or in-ear wearables.
• Feasibility aspects, adherence, acceptance, satisfaction, and wearable differences were evaluated through questionnaires and data analysis.

Main Results:

• Mean adherence was 46% for ePRO completion and 61% for wearable use.
• 60% of participants were satisfied with the system, and 70% could imagine continued use.
• Wrist wearables were rated higher for comfort than in-ear wearables.

Conclusions:

• The bwHealthApp system is feasible for RPM in outpatient cancer therapy.
• Moderate adherence and general patient satisfaction were observed.
• Further integration of wearables could enhance system functionality for improved cancer treatment monitoring.