Darcy Ummels

Patients’ experiences with commercially available activity trackers embedded in physiotherapy treatment | 51 3 Chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and cancer were the most prevalent conditions, and 8% of the participants had multimorbidity. Of the participants with COPD, one patient had been diagnosed with stage II COPD, and one patient didn ’ t know his GOLD stadium. Of the participants with cancer, 50% had had a curative treatment and 50% a palliative treatment; this variable was missing for one participant. Of the participants with osteoarthritis, the most affected joints were the upper extremity (41%), spine (36%) and lower extremity (23%). Purchase of the activity trackers Most of the participants were unfamiliar with activity trackers and had no idea about their average cost. Some of the participants had heard that activity trackers were expensive. When asked about how much they were willing to pay, participants said they would be willing to spend between 20 ‐ 50 euros but that there should be no other costs, e.g., subscription fees. Some participants wanted to buy an activity tracker but refrained due to the perceived high costs. “I would spend 20 ‐ 30 euros if I am sure the activity tracker works. But I can get one for 5 euros of which I am not sure if it works.” Female, 28 years, chronic pain “We subscribed somewhere so we could get a discount on a Fitbit. My husband asked if he should buy one for me. But I think it is way too expensive” Female, 57 years, cancer Some looked for reimbursement options and consulted their insurance company. If healthcare insurance companies offered some form of compensation, then participants would consider buying an activity tracker at the average retail price. “ I already called the health insurance company to see if they reimburse it [activity tracker] but they don ’ t. ” Female, 65 years, Diabetes Mellitus and cardiovascular disease One other difficulty in purchasing an activity tracker was the lack of information about them. The amount of effort needed to find information hindered them from buying one. According to the participants, there was no clear information available on the internet. Participants wanted an aid that compared several activity trackers. They suggested one that would specify the characteristics, brand, advantages and disadvantages of a small number of activity trackers and where they could be obtained. Some participants also suggested linking this to their physiotherapist ’ s website or providing information in the physiotherapist practice.