Wearables are a viable digital health tool for older Indigenous adults living remotely in Australia (research)

Connie Henson, Ben Freedman, Boe Rambaldini, Bronwyn Carlson, Carmen Parter, Chrishan J. Nalliah, Felicity Chapman, Gina Shepherd, Jessica Orchard, John Skinner, Josephine Gwynn, Rona Macniven, Robyn Ramsden, Sophia Nala 'Ḵixsisa 'las Speier, Suud Mohamed Nahdi, Vita Christie, Yansong (Harry) Huang, Katrina D. Ward, Kylie Gwynne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Health programs for Indigenous people are most effective, acceptable, and sustainable when Indigenous perspectives are prioritized. Codesign builds on Indigenous people's creativity and propensity to experiment with new technologies and ensures research is designed and implemented in a culturally safe and respectful manner. Limited research has focused on older Indigenous people as partners in digital health. No research has focused on the acceptability and feasibility of older Indigenous people using wearables for heart health monitoring. This study provides insights into the acceptability and feasibility for ≥55-year-old Indigenous people living in remote locations to use wearables (watches and patches) to detect atrial fibrillation (AF) and high blood pressure.

Methods: This mixed methods study was codesigned and coimplemented with the local Aboriginal Controlled Health Service in a remote area of New South Wales, Australia. It included active involvement and codesign with the participants. The devices used in this study included a Withings Scan watch and a Biobeat patch.

Results: Despite challenging conditions (>36°C) and variable internet connectivity, 11 Indigenous older adults participated in a five-day wearables program in a remote location. Participants indicated that using digital health devices was acceptable and feasible for older Indigenous users. They described high levels of comfort, safety and convenience when using wearables (patches and watches) to detect AF. They were active participants in codesigning the program.

Conclusion: Older Indigenous Australians are motivated to use wearable health devices. They are keen to participate in codesign innovative health tech programs to ensure new health technologies are acceptable to Indigenous people and feasible for remote locations.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages12
JournalDigital Health
Volume10
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 28 Aug 2024

Bibliographical note

Copyright the Author(s) 2024. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • Digital health
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
  • Indigenous
  • codesign
  • health disparities
  • cultural safety
  • cultural health trackers
  • wearables
  • atrial fibrillation
  • chronic diseases

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