Using Fitbit to detect infections early in children after surgery

Using the Fitbit for early detection of Infection and reduction of healthcare utilization after Discharge in Pediatric Surgical Patients

NIH-funded research Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-10933508

This study is looking at how the Fitbit Inspire 2 can help keep an eye on kids aged 3 to 18 after they have their appendix removed, by tracking their activity, heart rate, and sleep to catch any early signs of infection that might not be obvious otherwise.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10933508 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the Fitbit Inspire 2 can be used to monitor children aged 3 to 18 after they undergo appendectomy surgery. By tracking physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns, the study aims to identify early signs of postoperative infections that may not be visible through traditional monitoring methods. The data collected will be analyzed using machine learning techniques to generate alerts for healthcare providers, allowing for timely interventions. This approach seeks to reduce complications and unnecessary healthcare visits after discharge.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 3 to 18 who are undergoing appendectomy surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing surgery or are older than 18 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of infections in pediatric patients, improving recovery outcomes and reducing hospital readmissions.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using wearable devices for health monitoring, suggesting that this approach could be effective in pediatric postoperative care.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.