Using smart devices to monitor health in eating disorders
A Novel Pilot Study Examining the Potential of Smartphones to Capture New Types of Data That Can Accurately Assess the Physiological and Psychological Health Status of an Individual With an Eating Disorder
This study is testing whether smart devices like smartphones and smartwatches can help people with eating disorders by tracking their health in real-time to improve their care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Univa Health Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Liverpool) |
| Trial ID | NCT06544226 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the potential of smart devices to capture digital biomarkers in individuals diagnosed with eating disorders. By utilizing smartphones and smartwatches, the study aims to collect real-time health data such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, which are crucial for effective monitoring and treatment planning. The research addresses the limitations of traditional manual monitoring methods, which can be time-consuming and may not accurately reflect a patient's health status. The goal is to enhance the management of eating disorders through innovative technology, facilitating better care both in clinical settings and at home.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 10 years or older who have been clinically diagnosed with an eating disorder and are currently receiving regular in-person assessments.
Not a fit: Patients with active substance use issues or those who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for eating disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate and timely monitoring of individuals with eating disorders, improving their overall treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of smart devices in healthcare is a growing field, this specific application in monitoring eating disorders is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All participants must be aged 10 years or older. * Diagnosed with an eating disorder by a clinician as per the World Health Organization\'s ICD-10 (F50.0 through F50.9) or ICD-11 (6B80 - 6B85; 6B8Y, 6B8Z) classification * Must have a minimum once weekly in-person clinic physical assessment as part of their current treatment plan at the start of the study participation * Fluent in English * Capable of reading and understanding the information sheets and consent forms to provide written informed consent. * For participants aged between 10 and 16 years, parental consent is required first before offering the opportunity to the child. A parent or legal guardian must also be able to read and understand the information sheets and consent forms to provide written informed consent on behalf of the child under 16 years of age. Exclusion Criteria: * Active substance use such as drug or alcohol misuse * For alcohol consumption of more than 21 units of alcohol per week (1 unit is equivalent to half a pint of beer (285ml), 25ml of spirits, or one glass of wine) * Diagnostic coding for current mental and behavioural disorders due to substances (ICD10: F10 through F19; ICD11: QE10 through QE1Z and 6C40 through 6C4H) * A diagnosis of a neurological disorder, including but not limited to cerebrovascular diseases, either currently or in the past or where the eating disorder for which the participant is being treated is considered aetiologically-secondary to a neurological disorder (e.g. pica secondary to a brain injury). * A diagnosis of schizophrenia or related psychotic disorder. * Pregnancy. * A diagnosis of developmental learning disorder (ICD10 F80.0 through F81.9: ICD11: 6A03) or intellectual disorders (ICD10: F70.0 through F79.9; ICD11 6A00).
Where this trial is running
Liverpool
- University of Liverpool — Liverpool, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel Joyce, MRCPsych — University of Liverpool
- Study coordinator: Richard Andrews, BSc
- Email: research@univa.health
- Phone: +441488892853
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.