scholarly journals Improving support for breastfeeding mothers: a qualitative study on the experiences of breastfeeding among mothers who reside in a deprived and culturally diverse community

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Jane Cook ◽  
Faye Powell ◽  
Nasreen Ali ◽  
Catrin Penn-Jones ◽  
Bertha Ochieng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Culturally Diverse ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Black African ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
Diverse Community

Abstract Background The United Kingdom has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe, with the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding shown to be closely related to the mothers’ age, ethnicity and social class. Whilst the barriers that influence a woman’s decision to breastfeed are well documented, less is known how these barriers vary by the UK’s diverse population. As such, this study aimed to explore mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding and accessing breastfeeding services offered locally amongst a deprived and culturally diverse community. Methods A qualitative interpretive study comprising of 63 mothers (white British n = 8, Pakistani n = 13, Bangladeshi n = 10, black African n = 15 and Polish n = 17) who took part in single-sex focus groups, conducted in local community centres across the most deprived and ethnically diverse wards in Luton, UK. The focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically using Framework Analysis. Results The most common barriers to breastfeeding irrespective of ethnicity were perceptions surrounding pain and lack of milk. Confidence and motivation were found to be crucial facilitators of breastfeeding; whereby mothers felt that interventions should seek to reassure and support mothers not only during the early stages but throughout the breastfeeding journey. Mothers particularly valued the practical support provided by health care professions particularly surrounding positioning and attachment techniques. However, many mothers felt that the support from health care professionals was not always followed through. Conclusions The findings presented inform important recommendations for the design and implementation of future programs and interventions targeted at reducing breastfeeding inequalities. Interventions should focus on providing mothers practical support and reassurance not only during the early stages but throughout their breastfeeding journey. The findings also highlight the need for tailoring services to support diverse communities which acknowledge different traditional and familial practices.

scholarly journals A qualitative exploration of interactional and organizational determinants of collaboration in cancer palliative care settings: Family members’, health care professionals’ and key informants’ perspectives

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0256965
Author(s):  
Marco Bennardi ◽  
Nicola Diviani ◽  
Georg Stüssi ◽  
Piercarlo Saletti ◽  
Claudia Gamondi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Key Informants

As life expectancy has increased, a growing number of people experience conditions, including cancers, that carry complex health and social needs. Palliative care services have the potential to address these needs but face significant obstacles. One major obstacle is suboptimal interprofessional collaboration. This study’s goal was an in-depth exploration of interactional and organizational barriers and supports of collaboration in palliative care in Switzerland. We sought the perspectives of health care professionals, patients’ family members and leaders and experts in oncology/palliative care delivery (key informants) through interviews and focus groups with fifty HPs and key informants and ten patients’ family members. Qualitative analyses of interviews and focus groups used framework analysis. We identified three major themes of interaction: personal characteristics, communication, and connectedness with other health care professionals; and three major organizational themes: service characteristics, standardized communication and processes, and service coordination and promotion. Based on our findings, we recommend that health care professionals consider strategies to increase their collaboration and communication skills and opportunities to interact. We advocate the implementation of methods for coordinating services, standardization of consultation/referral procedures and communication between health care professionals, and the promotion of underutilized services to foster successful, sustainable collaboration.

P–503 Focus groups with health care professionals, patient advocates and patients to explore how the potential need for multiple cycles is managed during fertility treatment consultations

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Harrison ◽  
J Boivin ◽  
G Sofia
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Single Cycle ◽  
Cycle Basis ◽  
Patient Advocates ◽  
Multiple Cycles

Abstract Study question How is possibility of failure and potential need for multiple cycles discussed with patients during the first or repeat IVF/ICSI treatment consultation? Summary answer Health Care Professionals plan treatment on a cycle-by-cycle basis because it is the normative way to plan treatment, but patients see advantages in multi-cycle planning. What is known already Many patients need more than one round of IVF/ICSI stimulation to achieve their parenthood goals. A recent study has found around 60% of patients to be willing to plan for multiple cycles of treatment. However, it is not clear how patients are informed fully about the high possibility of treatment failure and the subsequent need for multiple cycles during their treatment planning consultations. Study design, size, duration Qualitative focus groups with health care professionals (HCP) patient advocates (April 2020) and patients (July and August 2020, respectively). Patients were eligible if they had had a consultation to start a first/repeat stimulated IVF/ICSI cycle in the eight weeks prior to participation, were aged 18 or older (upper age limit of 42 years for women) and fluent in English. Eligible Health HCPs and patient advocates were those employed at a fertility clinic or charity, respectively. Participants/materials, setting, methods HCP, patient advocate and patient focus group topic guides started with general questions about fertility consultations and progressed to discuss if and how the possibility of treatment failure and need for multiple cycles was introduced and discussed, and then preferences regarding planning IVF/ICSI on a multi-cycle rather than a single cycle basis. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed using framework analysis which allowed examination of shared, unique and incongruent thematic content across participant groups. Main results and the role of chance Twelve HCPs, 2 patient advocates and 11 patients participated in seven semi-structured online focus group discussions. Framework analysis revealed 52 codes (e.g., possibility of failure tentatively introduced; discussion of multiple cycles dependent on clinical/patient benchmarks) abstracted into 17 higher-level categories (e.g., Failure is a sensitive topic to approach; IVF treatment failure is the norm). Synthesis of categories revealed four themes and one meta theme The meta theme showed planning treatment on a cycle-by-cycle basis was the norm. This meta-theme was supported by four themes: (1) ‘culture of communication’ that dictated benchmarks (e.g., clinic, national live birth rate) and definition of key concepts (’complete’ cycle) that underpinned divergence between clinics; (2) ‘HCP-patient dynamics’ indexing degree of shared decision-making, advance preparation and involvement of partners in planning; (3) ‘tempering optimism’ that described tailoring, balancing and emotion management in giving personal chances of success; and (4) ‘transitioning to multi-cycle planning’ which identified worries of multi-cycle planning (e.g., need to learn from failure). Limitations, reasons for caution The majority of patients were women from private fertility clinics with no previous treatment experience recruited from social media websites, mainly associated with patient support groups. Similarly, the majority of HCPs were women from private fertility clinics. Informative comparisons across treatment stage, gender and funding source were therefore not possible. Wider implications of the findings: HCPs are hesitant towards multi-cycle planning. However, patients show openness, suggesting a cultural shift from the single cycle norm of planning IVF/ICSI may be possible. If adopted by clinics, HCPs patients and fertility organisations, multi-cycle planning could encourage patients to create informed treatment expectations and plans prior to treatment engagemen. Trial registration number MS200059_001

P-503 Focus groups with health care professionals, patient advocates and patients to explore how the potential need for multiple cycles is managed during fertility treatment consultations

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Harrison ◽  
J Boivin ◽  
G Sofia
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Single Cycle ◽  
Cycle Basis ◽  
Patient Advocates ◽  
Multiple Cycles

Abstract Study question How is possibility of failure and potential need for multiple cycles discussed with patients during the first or repeat IVF/ICSI treatment consultation? Summary answer Health Care Professionals plan treatment on a cycle-by-cycle basis because it is the normative way to plan treatment, but patients see advantages in multi-cycle planning What is known already Many patients need more than one round of IVF/ICSI stimulation to achieve their parenthood goals. A recent study has found around 60% of patients to be willing to plan for multiple cycles of treatment. However, it is not clear how patients are informed fully about the high possibility of treatment failure and the subsequent need for multiple cycles during their treatment planning consultations Study design, size, duration Qualitative focus groups with health care professionals (HCP) patient advocates (April 2020) and patients (July and August 2020, respectively). Patients were eligible if they had had a consultation to start a first/repeat stimulated IVF/ICSI cycle in the eight weeks prior to participation, were aged 18 or older (upper age limit of 42 years for women) and fluent in English. Eligible Health HCPs and patient advocates were those employed at a fertility clinic or charity, respectively Participants/materials, setting, methods HCP, patient advocate and patient focus group topic guides started with general questions about fertility consultations and progressed to discuss if and how the possibility of treatment failure and need for multiple cycles was introduced and discussed, and then preferences regarding planning IVF/ICSI on a multi-cycle rather than a single cycle basis. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed using framework analysis which allowed examination of shared, unique and incongruent thematic content across participant groups Main results and the role of chance Twelve HCPs, 2 patient advocates and 11 patients participated in seven semi-structured online focus group discussions. Framework analysis revealed 52 codes (e.g., possibility of failure tentatively introduced; discussion of multiple cycles dependent on clinical/patient benchmarks) abstracted into 17 higher-level categories (e.g., Failure is a sensitive topic to approach; IVF treatment failure is the norm). Synthesis of categories revealed four themes and one meta theme The meta theme showed planning treatment on a cycle-by-cycle basis was the norm. This meta-theme was supported by four themes: (1) ‘culture of communication’ that dictated benchmarks (e.g., clinic, national live birth rate) and definition of key concepts (‘complete’ cycle) that underpinned divergence between clinics; (2) ‘HCP-patient dynamics’ indexing degree of shared decision-making, advance preparation and involvement of partners in planning; (3) ‘tempering optimism’ that described tailoring, balancing and emotion management in giving personal chances of success; and (4) ‘transitioning to multi-cycle planning’ which identified worries of multi-cycle planning (e.g., need to learn from failure). Limitations, reasons for caution The majority of patients were women from private fertility clinics with no previous treatment experience recruited from social media websites, mainly associated with patient support groups. Similarly, the majority of HCPs were women from private fertility clinics. Informative comparisons across treatment stage, gender and funding source were therefore not possible Wider implications of the findings HCPs are hesitant towards multi-cycle planning. However, patients show openness, suggesting a cultural shift from the single cycle norm of planning IVF/ICSI may be possible. If adopted by clinics, HCPs patients and fertility organisations, multi-cycle planning could encourage patients to create informed treatment expectations and plans prior to treatment engagement Trial registration number MS200059_001

Collective soul: The spirituality of an interdisciplinary palliative care team

2006 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
SHANE SINCLAIR ◽  
SHELLEY RAFFIN ◽  
JOSE PEREIRA ◽  
NANCY GUEBERT
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Palliative Care Team ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Spiritual Journeys ◽  
Common Goals

Objective:Although spirituality as it relates to patients is gaining increasing attention, less is known about how health care professionals (HCP) experience spirituality personally or collectively in the workplace. This study explores the collective spirituality of an interdisciplinary palliative care team, by studying how individuals felt about their own spirituality, whether there was a shared sense of a team spirituality, how spirituality related to the care the team provided to patients and whether they felt that they provided spiritual care.Methods:A qualitative autoethnographic approach was used. The study was conducted in a 10-bed Tertiary Palliative Care Unit (TPCU) in a large acute-care referral hospital and cancer center. Interdisciplinary team members of the TPCU were invited to participate in one-to-one interviews and/or focus groups. Five interviews and three focus groups were conducted with a total of 20 participants.Results:Initially participants struggled to define spirituality. Concepts of spirituality relating to integrity, wholeness, meaning, and personal journeying emerged. For many, spirituality is inherently relational. Others acknowledged transcendence as an element of spirituality. Spirituality was described as being wrapped in caring and often manifests in small daily acts of kindness and of love, embedded within routine acts of caring. Palliative care served as a catalyst for team members' own spiritual journeys. For some participants, palliative care represented a spiritual calling. A collective spirituality stemming from common goals, values, and belonging surfaced.Significance of results:This was the first known study that focused specifically on the exploration of a collective spirituality. The culture of palliative care seems to foster spiritual reflection among health care professionals both as individuals and as a whole. While spirituality was difficult to describe, it was a shared experience often tangibly present in the provision of care on all levels.

scholarly journals Two Approaches to Focus Group Data Collection for Qualitative Health Research

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 160940691775078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Flynn ◽  
Lauren Albrecht ◽  
Shannon D. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Qualitative Health Research ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
Qualitative Focus Groups

This article discusses four challenges to conducting qualitative focus groups: (1) maximizing research budgets through innovative methodological approaches, (2) recruiting health-care professionals for qualitative health research, (3) conducting focus groups with health-care professionals across geographically dispersed areas, and (4) taking into consideration data richness when using different focus group data collection methods. In light of these challenges, we propose two alternative approaches for collecting focus group data: (a) extended period of quantitative data collection that facilitated relationship building in the sites prior to qualitative focus groups and (b) focus groups by videoconference. We share our experiences on employing both of these approaches in two national research programs.

scholarly journals The South African traditional belief scale as an instrument to aid culture-congruent health care

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 29-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johann Beuster ◽  
Gerhard Schwär
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Effective Treatment ◽  
South African ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Culturally Diverse ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Traditional Belief ◽  
Belief Scale

Medical and psychological health care professionals are becoming increasingly aware that effective treatment in culturally diverse societies requires sensitivity to the patient’s cultural beliefs and customs (Davidhizar & Giger, 2001:2; Foley & Wurmser, 2004:2; Hickson & Christie, 1989:162; Mkize, 2003:4; Narayanasamy, 2003:1). Opsomming Mediese en sielkundige gesondheidsorgberoepslui word toenemend daarvan bewus dat doeltreffende behandeling in kultureel diverse gemeenskappe sensitiwiteit teenoor die pasiënt se kulturele oortuigings en gebruike vereis (Davidhizar & Giger, 2001:2; Foley & Wurmser, 2004:2; Hickson & Christie, 1989:162; Mkize, 2003:4; Narayanasamy, 2003:1). *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

scholarly journals Technology-Based Motivation Support for Seniors’ Physical Activity—A Qualitative Study on Seniors’ and Health Care Professionals’ Views

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (13) ◽  
pp. 2418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Ehn ◽  
Ann-Christin Johansson ◽  
Åsa Revenäs
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
User Groups

This paper investigates seniors’ and health care professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions on needed contributions and qualities of digital technology-based motivation support for seniors’ physical activity (PA). Seniors and HCPs expressed their views in focus groups, which were analyzed separately by inductive content analysis. Similarities and differences in seniors’ and HCPs’ views were identified through thematic analysis of qualitative results from both focus groups. This article’s main findings are that both seniors and HCPs believed digital technology should support and make PA more enjoyable in ways to strengthen seniors’ control and well-being. However, seniors emphasized support for social interaction, while HCPs also requested support for increasing seniors’ insight into PA and for facilitating their dialogue with seniors. Conclusions to be drawn are that seniors and HPCs shared overall views on digital technology’s main contributions but had different perspectives on how those contributions could be obtained. This highlights the importance of the early identification of user groups and exploration of their different needs when developing new solutions. Moreover, seniors’ and HCPs’ perceptions included aspects relevant for personal motivation, technology acceptance, and PA behavioral change according to self-determination theory, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, and behavioral change techniques for increasing PA.

scholarly journals Clinical Decision-Making Tool for Safe and Effective Prescription of Exercise in Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Results From an Interdisciplinary Delphi Survey and Focus Groups

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (10) ◽  
pp. 1387-1396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pat G. Camp ◽  
W. Darlene Reid ◽  
Frank Chung ◽  
Ashley Kirkham ◽  
Dina Brooks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background Exercise is recommended for people with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), yet there is little information to guide safe and effective mobilization and exercise for these patients. Objectives The purpose of this study was to develop a clinical decision-making tool to guide health care professionals in the assessment, prescription, monitoring, and progression of mobilization and therapeutic exercise for patients with AECOPD. Design and Methods A 3-round interdisciplinary Delphi panel identified and selected items based on a preselected consensus of 80%. These items were summarized in a paper-based tool titled Mobilization in Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD-Mob). Focus groups and questionnaires were subsequently used to conduct a sensibility evaluation of the tool. Results Nine researchers, 13 clinicians, and 7 individuals with COPD identified and approved 110 parameters for safe and effective exercise in AECOPD. These parameters were grouped into 5 categories: (1) “What to Assess Prior to Mobilization,” (2) “When to Consider Not Mobilizing or to Discontinue Mobilization,” (3) “What to Monitor During Mobilization for Patient Safety,” (4) “How to Progress Mobilization to Enhance Effectiveness,” and (5) “What to Confirm Prior to Discharge.” The tool was evaluated in 4 focus groups of 18 health care professionals, 90% of whom reported the tool was easy to use, was concise, and would guide a health care professional who is new to the acute care setting and working with patients with AECOPD. Limitations The tool was developed based on published evidence and expert opinion, so the applicability of the items to patients in all settings cannot be guaranteed. The Delphi panel consisted of health care professionals from Canada, so items may not be generalizable to other jurisdictions. Conclusions The AECOPD-Mob provides practical and concise information on safe and effective exercise for the AECOPD population for use by the new graduate or novice acute care practitioner.

scholarly journals Preoperative behavioural intervention to reduce drinking before elective orthopaedic surgery: the PRE-OP BIRDS feasibility RCT

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-176
Author(s):  
Christopher Snowden ◽  
Ellen Lynch ◽  
Leah Avery ◽  
Catherine Haighton ◽  
Denise Howel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Preoperative Assessment ◽  
Behavioural Intervention ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Definitive Trial

Background Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications and extended hospital stay. Alcohol consumption therefore represents a modifiable risk factor for surgical outcomes. Brief behavioural interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption among increased risk and risky drinkers in other health-care settings and may offer a method of addressing preoperative alcohol consumption. Objectives To investigate the feasibility of introducing a screening process to assess adult preoperative drinking levels and to deliver a brief behavioural intervention adapted for the target population group. To conduct a two-arm (brief behavioural intervention plus standard preoperative care vs. standard preoperative care alone), multicentre, pilot randomised controlled trial to assess the feasibility of proceeding to a definitive trial. To conduct focus groups and a national web-based survey to establish current treatment as usual for alcohol screening and intervention in preoperative assessment. Design A single-centre, qualitative, feasibility study was followed by a multicentre, two-arm (brief behavioural intervention vs. treatment as usual), individually randomised controlled pilot trial with an embedded qualitative process evaluation. Focus groups and a quantitative survey were employed to characterise treatment as usual in preoperative assessment. Setting The feasibility study took place at a secondary care hospital in the north-east of England. The pilot trial was conducted at three large secondary care centres in the north-east of England. Participants Nine health-care professionals and 15 patients (mean age 70.5 years, 86.7% male) participated in the feasibility study. Eleven health-care professionals and 68 patients (mean age 66.2 years, 80.9% male) participated in the pilot randomised trial. An additional 19 health-care professionals were recruited to one of three focus groups, while 62 completed an electronic survey to characterise treatment as usual. Interventions The brief behavioural intervention comprised two sessions. The first session, delivered face to face in the preoperative assessment clinic, involved 5 minutes of structured brief advice followed by 15–20 minutes of behaviour change counselling, including goal-setting, problem-solving and identifying sources of social support. The second session, an optional booster, took place approximately 1 week before surgery and offered the opportunity to assess progress and boost self-efficacy. Main outcome measures Feasibility was assessed using rates of eligibility, recruitment and retention. The progression criteria for a definitive trial were recruitment of ≥ 40% of eligible patients and retention of ≥ 70% at 6-month follow-up. Acceptability was assessed using themes identified in qualitative data. Results The initial recruitment of eligible patients was low but improved with the optimisation of recruitment processes. The recruitment of eligible participants to the pilot trial (34%) fell short of the progression criteria but was mitigated by very high retention (96%) at the 6-month follow-up. Multimethod analyses identified the methods as acceptable to the patients and professionals involved and offers recommendations of ways to further improve recruitment. Conclusions The evidence supports the feasibility of a definitive trial to assess the effectiveness of brief behavioural intervention in reducing preoperative alcohol consumption and for secondary outcomes of surgical complications if recommendations for further improvements are adopted. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN36257982. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 12. See the National Institute for Health Research Journals Library website for further project information.

scholarly journals The Views and Needs of People With Parkinson Disease Regarding Wearable Devices for Disease Monitoring: Mixed Methods Exploration (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Kenny ◽  
Kevin Moore ◽  
Clíona O' Riordan ◽  
Siobhan Fox ◽  
John Barton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Parkinson Disease ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Wearable Device ◽  
Disease Monitoring ◽  
Perceived Benefits

BACKGROUND Wearable devices can diagnose, monitor, and manage neurological disorders such as Parkinson disease. With a growing number of wearable devices, it is no longer a case of whether a wearable device can measure Parkinson disease motor symptoms, but rather which features suit the user. Concurrent with continued device development, it is important to generate insights on the nuanced needs of the user in the modern era of wearable device capabilities. OBJECTIVE This study aims to understand the views and needs of people with Parkinson disease regarding wearable devices for disease monitoring and management. METHODS This study used a mixed method parallel design, wherein survey and focus groups were concurrently conducted with people living with Parkinson disease in Munster, Ireland. Surveys and focus group schedules were developed with input from people with Parkinson disease. The survey included questions about technology use, wearable device knowledge, and Likert items about potential device features and capabilities. The focus group participants were purposively sampled for variation in age (all were aged >50 years) and sex. The discussions concerned user priorities, perceived benefits of wearable devices, and preferred features. Simple descriptive statistics represented the survey data. The focus groups analyzed common themes using a qualitative thematic approach. The survey and focus group analyses occurred separately, and results were evaluated using a narrative approach. RESULTS Overall, 32 surveys were completed by individuals with Parkinson disease. Four semistructured focus groups were held with 24 people with Parkinson disease. Overall, the participants were positive about wearable devices and their perceived benefits in the management of symptoms, especially those of motor dexterity. Wearable devices should demonstrate clinical usefulness and be user-friendly and comfortable. Participants tended to see wearable devices mainly in providing data for health care professionals rather than providing feedback for themselves, although this was also important. Barriers to use included poor hand function, average technology confidence, and potential costs. It was felt that wearable device design that considered the user would ensure better compliance and adoption. CONCLUSIONS Wearable devices that allow remote monitoring and assessment could improve health care access for patients living remotely or are unable to travel. COVID-19 has increased the use of remotely delivered health care; therefore, future integration of technology with health care will be crucial. Wearable device designers should be aware of the variability in Parkinson disease symptoms and the unique needs of users. Special consideration should be given to Parkinson disease–related health barriers and the users’ confidence with technology. In this context, a user-centered design approach that includes people with Parkinson disease in the design of technology will likely be rewarded with improved user engagement and the adoption of and compliance with wearable devices, potentially leading to more accurate disease management, including self-management.

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