Abstract

Although traditional methods of data collection in naturalistic settings can shed light on constructs of interest to researchers, advances in sensor-based technology allow researchers to capture continuous physiological and behavioral data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the constructs that are examined in a dynamic health care setting. This study gives examples for implementing technology-facilitated approaches and provides the following recommendations for conducting such longitudinal, sensor-based research, with both environmental and wearable sensors in a health care setting: pilot test sensors and software early and often; build trust with key stakeholders and with potential participants who may be wary of sensor-based data collection and concerned about privacy; generate excitement for novel, new technology during recruitment; monitor incoming sensor data to troubleshoot sensor issues; and consider the logistical constraints of sensor-based research. The study describes how these recommendations were successfully implemented by providing examples from a large-scale, longitudinal, sensor-based study of hospital employees at a large hospital in California. The knowledge gained from this study may be helpful to researchers interested in obtaining dynamic, longitudinal sensor data from both wearable and environmental sensors in a health care setting (eg, a hospital) to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of constructs of interest in an ecologically valid, secure, and efficient way.

Date

December 10, 2019

Authors

Michelle L'Hommedieu, Justin L'Hommedieu, Cynthia Begay, Alison Schenone, Lida Dimitropoulou, Gayla Margolin, Tiago Falk, Emilio Ferrara, Kristina Lerman, Shrikanth Narayanan

Journal

JMIR mHealth and uHealth

Volume

7

Issue

12

Pages

e13305

Publisher

JMIR Publications Inc., Toronto, Canada