NExUS-Heart: Novel Exams Using Smart Technologies for Heart Health - Data sharing from commercial wearable devices and telehealth engagement in participants with or at risk for atrial fibrillation

Nuvvula, Sri Ding Eric Y.; Saleeba, Connor Shi Qiming Wang Ziyue Kapoor Alok Saczynski Jane S.; Lubitz, Steven A.; Kovell, Lara C.; McKee, M. Diane McManus David D.

Background Telemedicine and commercial wearable devices capable of detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) have revolutionized arrhythmia care during COVID-19. However, not much is known about virtual patient-provider interactions or device sharing behaviors. Objective To characterize how participants with or at risk for AF are engaging with their providers in the context of telemedicine and utilizing commercially wearable devices to manage their health. Methods We developed a survey to describe participant behaviors around telemedicine encounters and commercial wearable device use. The survey was distributed to participants diagnosed with AF or those at risk for AF (being at least 65 years old and CHA2DS2-VASc > 2) in the University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care system. Results The survey was distributed to 23,530 patients and there were 1,222 participant responses. Among the participants, 327 had AF and 895 were at risk for AF. Neither device ownership nor device type use differed by AF status. After adjusting for covariates that may influence surveyed participant communication patterns, we found AF participants were more likely to share their device-derived data with providers (aOR 1.87, 95% Cl 1.02-3.41). Rates of sharing physical activity or sleep data were low for both groups and did not differ by AF status. Conclusion Compared to participants at risk for developing AF, participants with AF were more likely to share heart rate and rhythm data from their commercial wearable device with providers. However, both groups had similar rates of sharing physical activity and sleep data, telemedicine engagement, and technology use and ownership.