Abstract
Background: Activity monitors (AM) are used to assess physical activity in patients with lung disease. To date the user (patients) acceptability of using these devices has been not well documented.
Aim: To monitor patients' experiences and preferences after wearing multiple monitors for a sustained period.
Method: As a part of the PROactive project 65 COPD patients (GOLD 1-4) wore 3-5 activity monitors simultaneously for two weeks. Monitors were the Actiwatch (AW); Kenz Lifecorder (KZ); RT3; SenseWear Monitor (SW); Actigraph (AG) or DynaPort Minimod (MM). Patients completed a questionnaire to assess technical difficulties in handling the devices, efficiency, acceptability and satisfaction. Answers were scored on a 5-point Likert scale with lower scores indicating a more positive experience. Patients were asked if outcomes from activity monitors seemed relevant to them.
Results: Ninety four% of patients agreed that AM contributes to understanding of the impact of their disease. The dominant response to the 13 user questions was 0, indicting no burden. Table 1 summarizes the key questions and the overall scores of the monitors.
Conclusion: All monitors showed good overall acceptance ranging from 74% (MM) to 93% (AW). The lower overall score for the MM suggests that potentially the position on the back of patients is perceived less comfortable.
EG is a fellow of UEFR-UFSCar/Brazil. PDEE CAPES
- © 2011 ERS