Wireless and mobile technologies provide an opportunity to connect information in the real-world via wearable sensors and, when coupled with fixed sensors embedded in the environment, produce continuous streams of data on an individual's biology, psychology, behavior and daily environment. 

Our goals include:

  1. Enable more patient-centric health care management by designing interventions that leverage digital health — also known as mobile health (mHealth) — technologies to collect continuous health data from patients and their physical and social environment
  2. Understand preferences and motivations of people to allow them to interact with the health system on their own timeline and in their own environment
  3. Enhance patient-provider communication and collaborative management of health care priorities

Current Projects

WearDuke is a campus-wide precision health initiative designed to promote healthy living through student engagement with digital health wearable devices and novel learning opportunities. During the 2019-2020 academic year, students residing in one of the selected residence halls were invited to participate in the year-long pilot study that assessed student interest and feasibility to inform the launch of this initiative to the entire Duke community in the future. Students were provided with a wearable and were asked to answer weekly surveys on sleep, general health, mental health, caffeine intake and academic performance. Students also used the companion app to track sleep and activity habits. During the 2020-2021 academic year, the study was opened to the entire Duke community. As of May 2022, plans are pending for the next academic year.

For more information, contact Susanne Haga, PhD

The CovIdentify study is investigating whether smartphone and smartwatch data could determine whether or not participants have COVID-19. Our team of Duke University doctors and scientists are investigating whether the data from your smartphone and smartwatch can help determine whether or not you have a COVID-19 infection, and how severe the infection is expected to get. All we ask is that you answer two simple questions each day for up to 12 months. We will explore whether there is a relationship with your smartphone and smartwatch data.

For more information, contact Ryan J. Shaw, PhD, RN or Jessilyn Dunn, PhD

This NIH-NHLBI funded study uses automated algorithms to analyze dietary self-monitoring and interim weight loss data from mobile technologies to provide real-time reinforcement using variable-ratio financial incentives. In this 18-month study, participants with obesity engage in a 24-week weight loss program delivered via biweekly group classes followed by a 12-month maintenance phase. We developed an innovative information technology (IT) solution that collates dietary self-monitoring data via diet apps and weight data from cellular scales. Algorithms classify participants as achieving adequate or inadequate dietary self-monitoring and weight loss to earn intermittent rewards of varying value in real-time. If effective, this approach could reduce the prevalence, adverse outcomes and costs of obesity for millions of Americans.

For more information, visit the Log2lose website

EXTEND is a research study at Duke University Health System funded by the NIH-National Institute for Nursing Research that seeks to address current barriers and evidence gaps preventing practical use of mobile monitoring-enabled telehealth. The goal of the study is to help adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and hypertension improve their health. Patients are prescribed a suite of remote monitoring devices that integrate health data into Duke’s electronic health record. These data are used for patient self-management, pharmacist support. and during telehealth visits by nurses.

For more information, please visit the EXTEND study website

Resources

A 20,000 square foot simulated hospital and clinic at the Duke University School of Nursing that serves as an interdisciplinary space to prototype and test innovations in technology and care delivery. By providing an infrastructure and entrepreneurial environment, Duke develops and tests innovative scholarship and transformative ideas developed by faculty, staff, students and alumni. Learn more.

Offers wearable physical activity monitoring services as well as other clinical procedures related to the biochemical and physical functions of the human body. Learn more.

Providing health coaching for Balanced Energy Cycling Program (BECP) and post-CR projects. Learn more.

Collaborator for the validation of a new earbud sensor for energy expenditure, heart rate and VO2max. Learn more.

Collaborator for the development of an osteoarthritis patient-education app. Learn more.