Wearable Devices in Clinical Trials: Hype and Hypothesis

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Jul;104(1):42-52. doi: 10.1002/cpt.966. Epub 2018 Apr 2.

Abstract

The development of innovative wearable technologies has raised great interest in new means of data collection in healthcare and biopharmaceutical research and development. Multiple applications for wearables have been identified in a number of therapeutic areas; however, researchers face many challenges in the clinic, including scientific methodology as well as regulatory, legal, and operational hurdles. To facilitate further evaluation and adoption of these technologies, we highlight methodological and logistical considerations for implementation in clinical trials, including key elements of analytical and clinical validation in the specific context of use (COU). Additionally, we provide an assessment of the maturity of the field and successful examples of recent clinical experiments.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actigraphy
  • Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory
  • Clinical Trials as Topic*
  • Data Collection
  • Electrocardiography, Ambulatory
  • Electroencephalography
  • Galvanic Skin Response
  • Humans
  • Medication Adherence
  • Mobile Applications
  • Oximetry
  • Skin Temperature
  • Smartphone
  • Wearable Electronic Devices*