Darcy Ummels

142 | Chapter 7 General discussion The main aim of this dissertation is to increase the knowledge about the meaningful* use of activity trackers in healthcare for (older) adults with chronic diseases and for older adults with or without chronic diseases. Three phases can be distinguished within this dissertation (Figure 6.1). Figure 6.1 Outline of dissertation in three phases, in which five studies and seven chapters are incorporated. Phase One focused on the validity and feasibility of commercially available activity trackers in (older) adults with a chronic disease who are generally seen in everyday physiotherapy practice. In chapters two and three, the validity and feasibility of commercially available activity trackers in (older) adults with a chronic disease are described. Using the results of phase one, an existing activity tracker was (re)designed in phase Two. The algorithm was adjusted to more validly capture activities of daily living in older adults with or without chronic diseases, and the user interface was designed in co ‐ creation with older adults. This ‘new’ activity tracker was called the Measure It Super Simple (MISS) Activity. Chapter four describes the validity of the adjusted algorithm. Chapter five illustrates the co ‐ creation process of the new user interface, as well as the feasibility of the MISS Activity tracker. In phase Three the MISS Activity was integrated into the daily clinical practice of healthcare professionals. The results of this action * The word ‘meaningful’ refers to our intention that the use of an activity tracker should be personalised and incorporated into daily life and healthcare in a manner that the data support both the patient and healthcare professional. It should provide insight into the patient’s activity levels, aid decisions, and support the formulation of recommendations for changing the patient’s behavioural habits towards a healthier lifestyle..