title: Impact of wearable technology on psychosocial factors of osteoarthritis management: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the impact the use of wearable technology could have in patients with osteoarthritis in terms of communication with healthcare providers and patients' empowerment to manage their condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study using focus groups with patients with osteoarthritis; data from patients' responses were analysed using Framework Methodology.
  
  
  METHODS
  21 patients with knee osteoarthritis from the London area (age range 45-65 years) participated in a total of four focus groups. Recruitment continued until data saturation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted in a university setting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients' responses suggested a positive attitude on the impact wearable technology could have on the management of osteoarthritis. It was perceived that the use of wearable devices would benefit patients in terms of feeling in control of their condition, providing them with awareness of their progress, empowering in terms of self-management and improving communication with their clinician.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This paper suggests positive patient perspectives on the perceived benefits wearable technology could have on the management of osteoarthritis. The data that could be collected with the use of wearable technology could be beneficial both to patients and clinicians. The information obtained from this study suggests that introducing wearable technology into patient-centred care could enhance patient experience in the field of osteoarthritis and beyond.
authors: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, UK.
authors: Athina
authors: A
authors: Belsi
authors: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK.
authors: Enrica
authors: E
authors: Papi
authors: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK.
authors: Alison H
authors: AH
authors: McGregor
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D019468:Disease Management; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care; D013672:Technology
keywords: Focus groups; Osteoarthritis; Rehabilitation; wearable technology