A qualitative evaluation of breast cancer survivors’ acceptance of and preferences for consumer wearable technology activity trackers

• Published in: Supportive care in cancer 2017-11, Vol.25 (11), p.3375-3384
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Nga H., Hadgraft, Nyssa T., Moore, Melissa M., Rosenberg, Dori E., Lynch, Chris, Reeves, Marina M., Lynch, Brigid M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activity trackers; Analysis; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - therapy; Cancer research; Cancer Survivors; Cardiovascular diseases; Comorbidity; Consumer behavior; Consumers; Exercise; Exercise - physiology; Female; Fitness Trackers - statistics & numerical data; Global positioning systems; GPS; Health risk assessment; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Nursing; Nursing Research; Oncology; Original Article; Pain Medicine; Peer tutoring; Physical fitness; Postmenopausal women; Qualitative research; Rehabilitation Medicine; Sedentary behavior; Technology; Wearable computers; Wearable Electronic Devices - statistics & numerical data
• ISSN: 0941-4355; 1433-7339
• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3756-y

Background Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are common amongst breast cancer survivors. These behaviours are associated with an increased risk of comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes and other cancers. Commercially available, wearable activity trackers (WATs) have potential utility as behavioural interventions to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour within this population. Purpose The purpose of the study is to explore the acceptability and usability of consumer WAT amongst postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Methods Fourteen participants tested two to three randomly assigned trackers from six available models (Fitbit One, Jawbone Up 24, Garmin Vivofit 2, Garmin Vivosmart, Garmin Vivoactive and Polar A300). Participants wore each device for 2 weeks, followed by a 1-week washout period before wearing the next device. Four focus groups employing a semi-structured interview guide explored user perceptions and experiences. We used a thematic analysis approach to analyse focus group transcripts. Results Five themes emerged from our data: (1) trackers’ increased self-awareness and motivation, (2) breast cancer survivors’ confidence and comfort with wearable technology, (3) preferred and disliked features of WAT, (4) concerns related to the disease and (5) peer support and doctor monitoring were possible strategies for WAT application. Conclusions WATs are perceived as useful and acceptable interventions by postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Effective WAT interventions may benefit from taking advantage of the simple features of the trackers paired with other behavioural change techniques, such as specialist counselling, doctor monitoring and peer support, along with simple manual instructions.