The increasing importance of wearable technology in tracking symptoms and physical activity among cancer patients presents challenges for oncology nurses. Eileen D. Hacker, Ph.D., APRN, AOCN, FAAN, a professor and chair in the department of nursing at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, emphasizes the need to decipher data from wearable technology while avoiding data fatigue in nurses.
Wearable technology has facilitated the collection of objective data on physical activity, sleep habits, and other parameters without the need for patients to be in a clinical environment. However, the volume of data collected can be overwhelming, leading to data fatigue for both patients and nurses.
Dr. Hacker underscores the importance of distinguishing between everyday grade devices and research-grade devices. While everyday devices may suffice for personal use, research-grade devices are essential for accurate data collection in a clinical or research setting.
A challenge with wearable technology is determining the burden on the participant. Overly burdensome devices may decrease patient compliance and lead to incomplete or inaccurate data. Additionally, extensive raw data collection and analysis can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring careful consideration by nurses and researchers.
Despite these challenges, wearable technology represents a significant advancement in patient care. Dr. Hacker highlights the importance of minimizing participant burden to maximize compliance and data accuracy. She encourages nurses to conduct thorough research and consider pilot studies before implementing wearable technology in patient care.
In conclusion, while wearable technology offers new opportunities for monitoring symptoms and physical activity in cancer patients, it also presents unique challenges for oncology nurses. By carefully navigating the use of wearable technology and taking steps to avoid data fatigue, nurses can harness the potential of these devices to improve patient care.
This article is based on an interview with Eileen D. Hacker, Ph.D., APRN, AOCN, FAAN, and has been edited for clarity and conciseness.