How should data from wearable health technology be embedded in primary healthcare...

How should data from wearable health technology be embedded in primary healthcare for Indigenous people (The SWiTcH Project)

Dr Kylie Gwynne, Heart Research Institute

2023 First Nations CVD Grant

Years funded: 2024 - 2028

SWiTcH will identify the barriers and enablers for embedding health data from wearable health technology (watches and patches) into primary health care for Indigenous people, and co-design and pilot the feasibility of embedding agreed data items into the patient medical record.

The research will be undertaken by an Indigenous PhD student located within a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers experienced in CVD research with Indigenous people.

The SWiTcH will enhance patient health self-efficacy and build the capability of primary healthcare services to use data from wearable CVD health technology to enhance patient management and improve health outcomes.

CVD is a major contributor to early mortality of Indigenous Australians and our pilot research found Indigenous people are interested in using wearable technology for early detection and timely management of CVD.

SWitcH includes 4 sub-studies:

1. systematic review;
2. qualitative analysis of barriers and enablers;
3. co-designed research protocol; and
4. feasibility study.