Darcy Ummels

Impact paragraph | 173 IP Impact paragraph This chapter describes how the findings of this dissertation are relevant to society. First, the aim and main results are presented, followed by the relevance of this dissertation. Then, the relevance of the findings for stakeholders are reported. Finally, the dissemination activities are described. Aim and main results The main aim of this dissertation was to increase knowledge about the meaningful* use of activity trackers in healthcare and (older) adults with chronic diseases and for older adults with or without chronic diseases. This dissertation had three phases in which five studies took place. Phase one assessed the validity and feasibility of commercially available activity trackers. Both appeared to be insufficient for (older) adults with a chronic disease with a chronic disease. In phase two, an existing activity tracker was (re)designed for older adults with or without a chronic disease by adjusting the algorithm and upgrading the user interface. The new activity tracker was called the ‘Measure It Super Simple (MISS)’ Activity. Older adults evaluated the MISS Activity and found the tracker feasible and easy to use. The optimised algorithm was more valid during activities of daily living in older adults with or without a chronic disease compared to the gold standard and three selected commercially available activity trackers. In phase three, the MISS Activity was integrated into daily clinical practice. Several iterations were needed for healthcare professionals to use the MISS Activity in a way that supported their clinical reasoning and patient engagement. The activity tracker was used both as an assessment tool and an intervention tool. Relevance of this dissertation The current Dutch healthcare system faces challenges to keep healthcare sustainable. By 2040, the Netherlands are predicted to have 9.8 million people with a chronic disease there are expected to be 1.6 million people 80 years or older. 1,2 To keep healthcare sustainable, eHealth, including activity trackers, could be beneficial. 3,4 Recently, the number of commercially available activity trackers has grown explosively. Activity trackers provide objective insight into physical activity levels and can improve physical activity level if combined with regular exercise or lifestyle guidance. 5 ‐ 8 Healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists 9 , nurses 10 , and nutritionists 11 are trained to