Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Using Patient-Held Devices to Measure Variations in Resting Heart Rate and Step Count Prior to Presentation With an
Jason G A den Duijn1, Ahmed A M Hajjaj2, John Kellett3
1Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands, 0031 655014806.
Background:
Many patients experience a gradual decline in health before seeking hospital care, with subtle changes in vital signs such as increased heart rate or decreased mobility. Recognizing deviations from baseline vital signs can support clinical decision-making, especially admission decisions. Smart devices (ie, smartphones, smartwatches, and activity trackers) track health metrics like heart rate and step count, offering new opportunities to estimate illness severity and track deterioration early.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using heart rate and step count measurements from smart devices (ie, smartphones, smartwatches, and activity trackers) to enhance the evaluation of patients presenting with acute illness in emergency settings.
Methods:
We conducted an international multicenter prospective observational study using the flash mob study design in 34 hospitals in the Netherlands (n=17), the United Kingdom (n=7), Denmark (n=9), and Switzerland (n=1) in May 2024. Researchers collaborated with patients to complete questionnaires upon an acute care (ie, emergency department, acute medical unit, same day emergency care) visit and extracted physiological data from their smart devices.
Results:
Among patients with an acute care visit (n=1137), 40% (n=452) had a smart device with health data. These patients tended to be from a higher educational level and in relatively good health. Only half had retrievable heart rate or step count data, resulting in a usable data set for 20% (n=209) of the total study population. Analysis showed a significant increase in heart rate (P<.001) and a decrease in step count (P<.001) in the days preceding their hospital visit. Both heart rate (P=.04) and step count (P=.04) on the day before presentation were significantly associated with disposition.
Conclusions:
Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using a patient's personal smart device to monitor vital signs in the days leading up to an acute care visit. In a selected patient group, significant changes in heart rate and step count were observed prior to hospital presentation, suggesting that disposition may be predicted using data collected from the patient's own device. High-risk patient groups, who might benefit the most from digital health monitoring, are currently underrepresented among device users.
More Related Videos
15:00Setup of Consumer Wearable Devices for Exposure and Health Monitoring in Population Studies
Published on: February 3, 2023
05:51Assessing the Accuracy of Fitness Smartwatch Data for Cardiovascular and Physical Activity Monitoring: A Validation Study in Digital Health
Published on: February 21, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
01:23Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:19Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
01:30Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)