Use of Patient Generated Health Data collected from consumer wearable devices in clinical care: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Preprint)
BACKGROUND PGHD (Patient Generated Health Data) are health-related data created or recorded by patients to inform their self-care. The availability of low-cost easy-to-use consumer wearable technologies has facilitated patients’ engagement in their self-care and increased production of PGHD but the uptake of this data in clinical environments has been slow. Studies showing opportunities and challenges affecting PGHD adoption and use in clinical care have not investigated these factors in detail during all stages of the PGHD life cycle. OBJECTIVE This study aims to provide deeper insight into various issues influencing the use of PGHD at each stage of its life cycle from the perspectives of key stakeholders including patients, healthcare professionals, and the health IT managers. METHODS A systematic review was undertaken on the scholarly and industry literature published from 2012 to 2017. Thematic analysis of content was applied to uncover perspectives of the key PGHD stakeholders on opportunities and challenges related to all life cycle stages of PGHD from consumer wearables. RESULTS Thirty-six papers were identified for detailed analysis. Challenges were discussed more frequently than opportunities. Most studies done in real-world settings were limited to the collection stage of PGHD life cycle that captured through consumer wearables. CONCLUSIONS There are many gaps in knowledge on opportunities and challenges affecting PGHD captured through consumer wearables in each stage of its life cycle. A conceptual framework involving all the stakeholders in overcoming various technical, clinical, cultural, and regulatory challenges affecting PGHD during its life cycle could help to advance the integration with and use of PGHD in clinical care.