Technology Access for Research Participants

Summary

If you are planning to use digital or mobile technologies in research, it is helpful to first understand potential participants' access to and use of technology.  This article will help researchers plan for and overcome technology access challenges in the planning phase of their study.  

 

Broadband Use & Access

If you are planning a study in rural areas, consider providing study participants broadband access. 

Americans' Use of Mobile Technology, Home Broadband, Pew Research Center

FCC National Broadband Map

 

Wearable Device & Health App Usage

The Mobile Technologies Core recommends that devices and apps are provided to study participants if the data collected is required per the study design. This could include, but is not limited to: 

  • activity trackers
  • smartwatches
  • continuous glucose monitors
  • smart scales
  • sleep monitoring devices
  • smart rings
  • wireless blood pressure monitors
  • heart rate chest straps

We do not recommend bring your own device (BYOD) study models. Data output can vary by device manufacturer and model. The cost savings of having the participant provide their won device will be offset by additional staff time required to harmonize data for analysis.

We also do not recommend mixing different brands of wearables in the same study. This presents additional challenges to harmonize the data across multiple manufacturer's data models, necessitating more time and resources be spent on data wrangling and transformations.

 

Smartphone Compatibility

Some wearable and nearable devices are only compatible with specific operating systems (Android, iOS), specific Bluetooth versions (BT5.0, BLE), or even specific brands of phones (Samsung Galaxy, iPhone). Even when a device supports wi-fi for data syncing, a compatible smartphone is often needed for initial setup and configuration, and cannot be setup until the device and the phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Keep this in mind as you select the right technology for your study design and target populations.

 

Resources

 

About the Author

                           
            

As the Mobile Technologies Core Manager at the University of Michigan’s Eisenberg Family Depression Center, Victoria Bennett helps investigators navigate the university’s robust resources while perpetually looking for opportunities to curate new resources. She aims to reduce friction for investigators who wish to utilize mobile technologies in health research. Drawing from her extensive experience with entrepreneurship, Victoria applies an entrepreneurial mindset to create efficient systems, improving operational effectiveness and impact. 

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