We aim to broaden understanding of the perspectives of persons with arthritis on their use of wearables to self-monitor physical activity, through a synthesis of evidence from qualitative studies.
We conducted a systematic search of 5 databases (including Medline, CINAHL, and Embase) from inception to 2018. Eligible studies qualitatively examined the use of wearables from the perspectives of persons with arthritis. All relevant data were extracted and coded inductively in a thematic synthesis.
Of 4358 records retrieved, 7 articles were included. Participants used a wearable during research participation in 3 studies and as part of usual self-management in 2 studies. In remaining studies, participants were shown a prototype they did not use. Themes identified were: 1) Potential to change dynamics in patient-health professional communication: Articles reported a common opinion that sharing wearable data could possibly enable them to improve communication with health professionals; 2) Wearable-enabled self-awareness; a benefit or downside?: There was agreement that wearables could increase self-awareness of physical activity levels, but perspectives were mixed on whether this motivated more physical activity; 3) Designing a wearable for everyday life: Participants generally felt the technology was not obtrusive in their everyday lives, but it was speculated certain prototypes may embarrass or stigmatize persons with arthritis.
Themes hint toward an ethical dimension, as participants perceive their use of wearables may positively or negatively influence their capacity to shape their everyday self-management. We suggest ethical questions pertinent to the use of wearables in arthritis self-management for further exploration.