Challenges of Using Fitness Trackers in Critical Care

Background With advancing technology, interest is growing in the use of wearable activity trackers to promote physical activity in the inpatient and critical care settings. Objective To quantify mobility in the post-operative period using wearable fitness trackers (Fitbit). Methods This was a prospective observational study involving 22 patients. Daily postoperative step counts were recorded, and subjective mobility scores were documented. Results The fitness trackers proved unreliable and inaccurate owing to challenges with device placement, physical limitations, and patient compliance, leading to premature termination of the study. Secondary outcomes using overall patient mobility and Braden scores were used as correlational markers of disposition. Conclusions The utility of wristband activity trackers in critical care appears to be limited. Further studies examining the outpatient use of wearable devices for rehabilitation to improve accuracy in the hospital setting would be beneficial.