A qualitative study on older patients' experiences and perceptions regarding the usability of wearable devices in tracking biometrics related to recovery after cancer surgery.

INTRODUCTION

Wearable devices offer promising opportunities for continuous monitoring of recovery in older patients after cancer surgery. Understanding patient experiences is essential for successful clinical implementation. This study aimed to explore the usability of wearable devices for monitoring recovery in older patients after oncologic surgery, focusing on their experiences, challenges, and preferences for future clinical implementation.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews with older patients who wore a wearable device before and after undergoing cancer surgery at Leiden University Medical Center. Participants were recruited from an ongoing cohort study. Interviews were structured around Morville's User Experience Honeycomb framework and performed between February and August 2025. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

We performed interviews with 16 patients (median age 77 years, range 70-82) who underwent surgery for solid tumors, most commonly pancreatic cancer (56%). Participants had the device for a median of 104 days (range 66-132), wearing it for a median of 23 h per day. Three main themes emerged: (1) successful integration of the device into daily life despite practical challenges such as smartphone battery drain, (2) high trust in the technology with nuances regarding privacy and voluntary adoption, and (3) enthusiasm for future implementations centered on data access, personalized feedback, and safety monitoring. The value of monitoring was emphasized particularly by patients living alone.

DISCUSSION: Older patients successfully adopted wearable devices during recovery after cancer surgery and demonstrated high trust in the technology. Clinical implementation should prioritize voluntary adoption, address practical barriers such as smartphone compatibility, and integrate wearables within a blended care approach combining technology with human support. Patients living alone may particularly appreciate wearable monitoring during recovery.