Health Care Professionals' Perspectives on the Use of a Wearable Device for Early Detection and Continuous Vital Signs Monitoring of Acute Respiratory Infections in Nursing Homes: Qualitative Study

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not applicable for qualitative study

• Effect Size: Not applicable for qualitative study

• Primary Outcome: Five main themes identified: alignment with treatment policies, balancing safety and freedom, impact on work processes, supporting rather than replacing care, and pandemic/future use

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Identified preconditions: usability, staff support, training, communication, and clear policy

• Confidence Interval: Not applicable for qualitative study

Clinical Application

Implementation requires careful consideration of individual resident needs, staff training, clear policies, and alignment with person-centred care principles Highly relevant to Australian aged care sector facing similar staffing challenges and technology adoption decisions. Findings applicable to RACGP aged care guidelines and quality standards framework Healthcare professionals in residential aged care facilities considering wearable technology implementation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The growing aging population and staff shortages are placing pressure on Dutch nursing homes (NHs). These challenges have led to an increased interest in digital health technologies. Among these are wearable devices that allow for remote continuous monitoring of vital signs. An example is the Healthdot (smartQare), a wearable electronic device that continuously monitors heart rate, respiratory rate, and physical activity. In the context of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in NHs, where initial symptoms can go unnoticed, continuous monitoring may aid in early recognition, timely intervention, and reduce staff workloads. However, little is known about how health care professionals perceive the use of continuous vital signs monitoring devices, such as the Healthdot, for this cause in NHs. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals on the use of the Healthdot for early detection and monitoring of ARIs in NHs, to inform potential future implementation. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 physicians, nurses, and certified nursing assistants from 4 NHs and 1 acute geriatric community hospital located in a NH. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed to identify themes regarding their perspectives on the use of the Healthdot for monitoring ARIs in this setting. RESULTS: Five main themes were identified that related to the appropriate use of the Healthdot for NH clients and health care professionals: alignment of Healthdot use and NH clients' treatment policies, balancing safety and freedom, impact of the Healthdot on work processes, supporting rather than replacing care, and possible use during pandemics and in the future. Additionally, several preconditions for the use of the Healthdot were identified, including its usability, a support base among care staff, adequate training and guidance, communication with NH clients and their relatives, and a clear policy regarding its use. CONCLUSIONS: Given the complexity of care in NHs, where clinical care is typically balanced against quality of life and a homelike environment, physicians generally expressed reserved attitudes toward the Healthdot, highlighting the need to consider multiple factors in its implementation. Care staff were generally positive about the device. Nevertheless, tailored assessment for each individual NH client remains essential, balancing treatment goals, safety, autonomy, and person-centered care. Additionally, clear communication and alignment between health care professionals in this setting are crucial, specifically regarding their expectations of the Healthdot's role in care processes. This study offers practical guidance that may inform future implementation efforts of continuous vital sign monitoring devices in NHs.

References

1. 1.Grootegoed, L. C., Pol, M. C., Hertogh, C. M., Kolodziej, L. M., de Jong, M. D., Schinkel, J., & van Buul, L. W. (2026). Health care professionals' perspectives on the use of a wearable device for early detection and continuous vital signs monitoring of acute respiratory infections in nursing homes: Qualitative study. JMIR Nursing, 9, e84436. https://doi.org/10.2196/84436