 Getting Started with Mobile Technologies

Data Management and Sharing Plans (DMSPs) are increasingly becoming a requirement when submitting research proposals. Even when not required, proposals with DMSPs are often scored higher than proposals without one. Developing a DMSP helps researchers plan technology use, create a more accurate budget, and assist in the Information Assurance (IA) review process, if needed, for their study. DMSPs are recommended for all studies utilizing wearable and mobile technologies.

Hiring the right person for any position can be challenging, but this is especially true for research teams involved in mobile health (mHealth) studies. These projects often require a unique skill set to handle data management and technical hurdles that differ significantly from traditional research support roles. In this article, we explore the necessity of hiring the right technical support person for your research team, and what types of questions you should ask.

This article provides general IRB guidance for investigators planning to include mobile apps, mobile devices, and other mobile technologies in human health research. It is not intended to address all aspects of an IRB review, only those related to mobile technologies.

Standardized data flow for research studies that utilize mobile technologies at the University of Michigan. It depicts how data typically moves from a smart watch or wearable device, into University resources behind a firewall, and finally lands on long-term storage for preservation and analytics.

Searching for mobile technology topics can be challenging due to the varying terminology and the cross disciplinary nature of the search terms. This information seeking starter kit provides some basic, structured literature search strategies to get you started.  The strategies are not meant to be comprehensive, but are designed to be a flexible launching pad for literature discovery.

This resource guide was developed for attendees of the MeTRIC Symposium at the University of Michigan held on November 1st, 2024. MeTRIC is a campus-wide collaboration designed to foster knowledge sharing and create a single access point for University of Michigan investigators who are looking to use wearables, apps, or other mobile technologies in their health research.

This article will help researchers plan for and overcome technology access challenges in the planning phase of their study.

Understanding the technology elements for a study utilizing wearable and mobile technologies will assist researchers during the study planning process in several ways.

- Build a more accurate study budget.
- Develop a Data Management & Sharing Plan, which can be a requirement for funders and journal submissions.
- Prepare for regulatory and compliance processes, like an Information Assurance (IA) review, if needed

MTC focuses on consumer-grade, over-the-counter wearable and nearable devices with potential clinical applications. We concentrate on study management platforms from vetted vendors, although we can refer researchers to other resources when necessary.