The Use of Smart Devices in Capturing Biomarkers in Eating Disorders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A novel pilot study examining the potential of smartphones to capture new types of data that can accurately assess the physiological and psychological health status of an individual with an eating disorder
IRAS ID
345525
Contact name
Daniel W Joyce
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Univa Health Ltd
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
ClinicalTrials.gov, Submitted and Awaiting number
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 15 days
Research summary
This study aims to explore how smart devices can be used to monitor the health of individuals with eating disorders. Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that impact both mental and physical health. Effective monitoring is crucial for developing treatment plans and ensuring the safety of individuals both in hospitals and at home. Currently, healthcare professionals use manual methods to measure important health indicators like heart rate, blood pressure, and BMI. These methods can be time-consuming and may not always accurately reflect a patient’s health due to the possibility of patients concealing the severity of their condition. Furthermore, monitoring at home is challenging due to the lack of professional equipment and training for caregivers. With advancements in digital technology, smartphones and smartwatches now have the potential to collect and analyse health data in real-time. These devices can capture data on heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and other vital signs through non-invasive methods like analysing facial and fingertip blood volume, namely photoplethysmography. Additionally, video recordings from smartphone cameras can be used to assess physical and mental health by analysing facial expressions, voice patterns, speech content, and physical movements. By utilising these digital tools, this study expects to create a more efficient and accessible way for individuals with eating disorders to monitor their health both in clinical sites and at home. The study will collect data from participants both in hospital settings and during outpatient care to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of these digital methods. This comprehensive approach aims to improve early detection of health issues, optimise treatment plans, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals with eating disorders.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
24/WA/0234
Date of REC Opinion
21 Aug 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion