Wearable Technology in Mobility and Falls Health Care: Finding Consensus on Their Clinical Utility and Identifying a Roadmap to Actual Use.

Abstract

Background: Despite the promise wearable technology offers through detailed insight into mobility and fall risk, timely identification of high risk, assessment of risk severity, evaluation of clinical interventions, and potential to redefine the assessment of behaviours which influence health, they are not routinely used in clinical practice.

Objective: Establish consensus on how wearable technology can be applied to support clinical care for people aged 50 and over experiencing changes to mobility and/or who are at increased risk of falling.

Methods: A Delphi study was conducted among 17 hospital-based health professionals. Over three rounds, experts were asked about fall prevention, mobility assessment, the potential role of wearable sensors, and clinical considerations for implementing wearable technology into practice. Consensus was defined as 75% agreement. Data were analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods.

Results: Experts found that wearable technology has short and long-term clinical utility, data should be shared with general practitioners to improve long-term health outcomes, and devices would need to fit all individuals with a preference for wrist or pendant-worn locations. Technological literacy was not a perceived barrier. However, cost and data accuracy were important for successful implementation.

Conclusion: This study provides a group consensus statement and guidance on the clinical implementation of wearable technology to support care for people aged 50 and over experiencing changes to mobility and/or who are at increased risk of falling. Health professionals are receptive to using wearable technologies to advance fall risk and mobility assessment and believe wearable technology has a role in clinical practice.