Paediatric Preparedness

Document Analysis of the Challenges Experienced Using Smartwatch Technologies to Support Children Living with a Chronic Health Condition

Bibliographic Data

ID15488684
AuthorsSonia Butler (0000-0002-5492-7966, Hunter Water, corresponding author), Dean Sculley (0000-0003-3972-8309, Hunter Water), Derek Santos (0000-0001-9936-715X, Queen Margaret University), Xavier Gironès (0000-0002-2329-5927, Generalitat de Catalunya), Davinder Singh‐Grewal (0000-0001-7306-3713, The University of Sydney), Andrea Coda (0000-0003-0427-6672, Hunter Medical Research Institute)
Year2025
Volume22
Issue2
Pages133-133
Publication date2025-01-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph22020133
PMID40003359
OpenAlexW4406675612
LanguageEN
References cited9

Smartwatch technology is increasingly being used to support the management of chronic health conditions. Yet, many new digital health innovations fail because the correct foundations are not well established. This exploratory study aims to uncover the challenges experienced during the setup phase of a smartwatch intervention, to support the prototype development of a digital health intervention for children. Five children with a chronic health condition were asked to wear a smartwatch for 14 days that collects health data (pain levels, medication adherence, and physical activity performance). To explore the experiences of these children, their parents and the research team, all written records were analysed using READ's four steps of document analysis and reported using the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. The following three themes emerged: 1.) Infrastructure limitations: inexpensive smartphones prevented connection, and outpatient clinics' internet black spots constrained setup and training; 2.) Personal phone restrictions: limited setup, training, and engagement; 3.) Elimination of the parent's phone: provided children with digital support (a smartphone, pre-installed apps, cellular data) to allow active participation. Overall, we identified barriers hindering the use of smartwatch technology in clinical practice. More resources are needed to ensure paediatric preparedness for digital health support

Checklist · Digital health · Health care · Internet privacy · Intervention (counseling · Medical education · mHealth · Phone · Preparedness · Psychological intervention · Smartwatch · The Internet · Wearable computer · World Wide Web · Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare · Applied Psychology · Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life · Computer Science · Medicine · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Nursing · Psychology