Patient perceptions, understanding, and data privacy concerns of implantable smart devices

Background: Implantable smart devices (ISDs) have gained momentum due to potential benefits of providing real-time implant data focused on optimizing patient recovery and joint performance following total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to assess patient awareness and perceptions on the use of a smart knee implant. Methods: 79 patients with knee osteoarthritis were presented with a 15-question survey used to assess patient perceptions on the safety, data monitoring, and preference of ISDs. Results: Most survey respondents had never heard of a smart implant (74.7%). When comparing the tracking capabilities of ISDs to smart watches, 62.0% of the respondents believe ISDs track data more accurately and monitor progress after joint replacement. When gauging participant perceptions, most of them believed motion tracking data should only be shared with themselves and their treating surgeon. Only 17.7% of participants answered they would rather have a traditional implant over an ISD. Concerns expressed with ISD use included that data may be shared with unintended recipients or the ISD not working as effectively as a traditional surgical implant. Conclusion: Assessing patient attitudes toward ISD function and data monitoring is vital to shape guidelines for future integration of their use. This study concluded that most patients are not yet aware of ISDs but may have a preference over standard implants with improved monitoring following joint replacement surgery.