Paediatric Preparedness: Document Analysis of the Challenges Experienced Using Smartwatch Technologies to Support Children Living with a Chronic Health Condition

Sonia Butler (), Dean Sculley, Derek Santos, Xavier Gironès, Davinder Singh-Grewal and Andrea Coda
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Sonia Butler: School of Bioscience and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
Dean Sculley: School of Bioscience and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
Derek Santos: School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK
Xavier Gironès: Department of Research, Universities de Catalunya, Generalitat de Catalunya, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Davinder Singh-Grewal: Department of Rheumatology, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (Randwick), Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
Andrea Coda: School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 2, 1-14

Abstract: Smartwatch technology is increasingly being used to support the management of chronic health conditions. Yet, many new digital health innovations fail because the correct foundations are not well established. This exploratory study aims to uncover the challenges experienced during the setup phase of a smartwatch intervention, to support the prototype development of a digital health intervention for children. Five children with a chronic health condition were asked to wear a smartwatch for 14 days that collects health data (pain levels, medication adherence, and physical activity performance). To explore the experiences of these children, their parents and the research team, all written records were analysed using READ’s four steps of document analysis and reported using the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. The following three themes emerged: 1.) Infrastructure limitations: inexpensive smartphones prevented connection, and outpatient clinics’ internet black spots constrained setup and training; 2.) Personal phone restrictions: limited setup, training, and engagement; 3.) Elimination of the parent’s phone: provided children with digital support (a smartphone, pre-installed apps, cellular data) to allow active participation. Overall, we identified barriers hindering the use of smartwatch technology in clinical practice. More resources are needed to ensure paediatric preparedness for digital health support.

Keywords: app; chronic health condition; digital health; integrated care; paediatric; smartwatch; wearable technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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