Patient perspectives on digital healthcare technology in care and clinical trials for motor neuron disease: an international survey

Jochem Helleman, Barbara Johnson, Cory Holdom, Esther Hobson, Deirdre Murray, Frederik J Steyn, Shyuan T Ngo, Anjali Henders, Madhura B Lokeshappa, Johanna M A Visser-Meily, Leonard H van den Berg, Orla Hardiman, Anita Beelen, Chris McDermott, Ruben P A van Eijk

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To capture the patient's attitude toward remote monitoring of motor neuron disease (MND) in care and clinical trials, and their concerns and preferences regarding the use of digital technology.

METHODS: We performed an international multi-centre survey study in three MND clinics in The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The survey was co-developed by investigators and patients with MND, and sent to patients by e-mail or postal-mail. The main topics included: patients' attitude towards remote care, participating in decentralized clinical trials, and preferences for and concerns with digital technology use.

RESULTS: In total, 332 patients with MND participated. A majority of patients indicated they would be happy to self-monitor their health from home (69%), be remotely monitored by a multidisciplinary care team (75%), and would be willing to participate in clinical trials from home (65%). Patients considered respiratory function and muscle strength most valuable for home-monitoring. The majority of patients considered the use of at least three devices/apps (75%) once a week (61%) to be acceptable for home-monitoring. Fifteen percent of patients indicated they would not wish to perform home-measurements; reporting concerns about the burden and distress of home-monitoring, privacy and data security.

CONCLUSION: Most patients with MND exhibited a positive attitude toward the use of digital technology in both care and clinical trial settings. A subgroup of patients reported concerns with home-monitoring, which should be addressed in order to improve widespread adoption of remote digital technology in clinical MND care.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6003-6013
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Neurology
Volume269
Issue number11
Early online date18 Jul 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2022

Keywords

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Digital technology
  • Motor neuron disease
  • Patient perspective
  • Survey

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