Experiences Of People With Parkinson’s Disease Of Video-Based Motor Symptom Assessment

Background Parkinson’s Disease (PD) symptoms vary widely, making objective assessment challenging. PragmaClin Research Inc. developed the Parkinson's Remote Interactive Monitoring system (PRIMS), which collects the Movement Disorder Society’s Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) motor examination data via an instruction screen and Microsoft Kinect Depth cameras, and assigns severity ratings using machine-learning algorithms. We captured the experiences of people with PD (PwPD) trialing the system. Methods PwPD were recruited via local PD, neurology and geriatric clinics and PD social/support groups. Participants completed the PRIMS trial (performing actions in front of the camera system), a post-assessment survey (including the System Usability Scale (SUS)), and an optional audio-recorded interview. Survey data were analysed descriptively, with interview findings providing additional context. Results Twenty-seven participants completed the PRIMS trial and survey; 13 completed an optional interview. Most participants were aged 65-69 (44.4%) or 75-79 (33.3%), and male (66.7%), across Hoehn & Yahr stages 1-4. Almost all (95.6%) users reported being ‘extremely’ or ‘somewhat’ satisfied with the assessment, considering PRIMS potentially valuable for symptom monitoring over time, where video-based assessments could complement in-person consultations and communication with healthcare providers. SUS scores (80–85+) reflected excellent usability, with strong agreement on ease-of-use and low perceived-complexity. However, 52.1% 'somewhat' or 'strongly' disagreed that PRIMS could replace face-to-face consultations, noting usability may depend on technological ability, and some questioned whether clinicians would "trust it". Suggestions for improvement included clarified movement demonstrations and addressing participants’ varied perspectives on viewing themselves on camera. Participants considered PRIMS could be available in GP surgeries or health centers, but that home-based (laptop/phone) assessment would be most accessible. Conclusion PwPD suggest that remote video-based symptom assessment such as PRIMS would be acceptable and usable, aiding communication with healthcare teams on symptom variability, but this must consider technological abilities and setting convenience.