Framework for Analytical Validation of Digital Health-Based Actigraphy Measures in Heart Failure Trials: VALIDATE-HF Program

Heart failure is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and doctors need better ways to track how well patients are doing in their daily lives and how their symptoms develop in time. Smartwatches and similar devices could help by measuring movement and activity, but they lack proper standard. Their accuracy can vary between watches and measures, and doctors are hesitant to implement them until they prove their usefullness. This project aims to create a reliable test that can confirm and compare the accuracy of each device for heart failure research. The plan is to compare data from smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, to a well-established medical test, calculate the error and differences, determine the best threshold that can be tolerated, and place the results in a report for analysis. By checking how well the smartwatch compares with the well-established results, we can determine whether it provides accurate and useful information. If successful, this study will help doctors and scientists confidently use smartwatches in heart failure research, making it easier to track patients’ health inside and outside the hospital. This could lead to better care, earlier detection of problems, and improved treatments for people living with heart disease.

Faculty Supervisor:

Abhinav Sharma

Student:

Partner:

McGill University Health Centre Foundation;McGill University Health Centre

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

Program: