Perceptions of older adults towards the use of wearable cardiac monitoring technologies

Background: ’Wearables only work on patients that wear them’. There has been recent explosion in the development and uptake of wearable cardiac monitoring technologies amongst patients. Little research has explored cardiovascular patient’s perceptions and experiences of their wearability. Objective: This study aimed to explore patient’s perceptions and experiences of wearable cardiac monitoring technologies. Methods: Participants were recruited from a cardiac rehabilitation service and were living with cardiovascular disease and had experienced wearing a range of cardiac monitoring devices. A series of three focus groups were conducted. These were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were examined by two researchers and primary themes were identified based on patient’s accounts. In the next stage data were analysed using Nvivo 12 to ensure closer alignment of identified categories with the main data and to establish an inductive thematic analysis. Finally, consensus was gained on consistency and interpretation and clarity of findings. Results: A sample of 18 participants (11 males & 7 females) were included in analyses. Focus group duration =(mean time 26 mins) Trust and the uptake of a wearable monitoring technology by participants was influenced by three main themes. These included: 1) Useability and acceptability 2) Reliability and safety 3) Design implications Conclusion: Our research revealed many factors that are likely to influence initial uptake of these technologies and short or long term adherence to wearing. It is critical that patients partners in the co-design of new wearable cardiac technologies to optimise use and uptake in clinical practice.