Background
Smartwatches have revolutionized health monitoring, prompting discussions on data sharing and sustained usage. This mixed methods study delves into factors impacting smartwatch utilization and individuals’ comfort levels in sharing health data through varied technological means and with diverse entities, including healthcare providers, governmental bodies, and private companies.
Quantitative Findings
The quantitative phase, comprising 325 responses, explored user experiences, influences on continued smartwatch use, and willingness to share data. Key findings highlighted users’ greater comfort in sharing data with physicians through non-internet methods like NFC or Bluetooth. Additionally, a majority believed that sharing smartwatch data with physicians could enhance healthcare quality. The primary influencers of continued use were identified as habit formation and personal enjoyment.
Aims and Objectives
Influences on Continued Use: Identify factors affecting prolonged smartwatch usage.
Effects on Data Sharing Comfort: Explore elements impacting comfort levels in sharing smartwatch data.
Methodology
To address limitations of scaled response surveys, it is necessary to engage in active discussion with users to understand the contributing qualitative factors. Two focus groups, comprising various age groups and stakeholders (smartwatch users, general practitioners, public health specialists, and IT experts), will be conducted, these sessions aim to elucidate ambiguities in survey results. As such, a better understanding of the specific concerns people have with data sharing involving the internet, how users believe that their healthcare can be impacted by sharing data, and why they enjoy using their watch.
Hypothesis
By comprehending factors influencing continued use and user concerns about data sharing, this study hypothesizes that addressing these aspects will facilitate better integration of technology and data into healthcare systems.
Outcomes
This research endeavors to inform wearable device integration in healthcare and public health. It seeks to elucidate nuanced perspectives of users and stakeholders on data sharing and device utilization, contributing to improving healthcare delivery practices.