Objective: Reduce burden on research team members and study participants during remote deployment of a touchless sensor device for in-home use with people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background: Recent advancements in PD research support the feasibility, usefulness and acceptance of digital technologies in clinical studies (Adams et al. 2021). That said, the use of in-home monitoring and activity-sensing devices creates logistical and emotional challenges for study coordinators and participants. As novel technologies transform clinical study models, there is a need to evaluate processes, identify issues, and provide assistance in appropriate formats to those engaging with the technology with the aim of optimizing use and ensuring positive coordinator-participant experiences.

Method: We engaged with team members of a home-based touchless sensor study. Leveraging participatory design principles, our user-centered, mixed-methods research involved: field observations, contextual inquiry, interviews, and a survey. The insights from this effort informed the development of our JourneyMap as a visual representation—in static and interactive formats—of the remote touchless sensor device deployment process.

Results: We received positive feedback from members of the study team on the usefulness and ease of use of the JourneyMap during training, as well as before, during, and after each touchless sensor deployment. They found the resource to be user-friendly and relevant in helping them to complete training and remote device deployment with reduced emotional stress. They also expressed high levels of satisfaction with the design and presentation of the resource visual aids. Additional commentary suggested that the “hands-on” knowledge provided improved understanding of the study design and may contribute to research efficiency and coordinator-participant experiences.

Conclusion: While the JourneyMap focuses on the process involved in the deployment of a remote touchless sensor device for people with PD, the implications of this work are applicable to a range of processes involving novel technologies for use by people with other movement disorders.

References: Adams JL, Lizarraga KJ, Waddell EM, Myers TL, Jensen-Roberts S, Modica JS, et al. Digital technology in movement disorders: Updates, applications, and challenges. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports. 2021;21(4).

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/journeymap-a-visual-resource-to-reduce-coordinator-burden-during-virtual-study-visits/