BYOD in Healthcare

BYOD in healthcare practice and aspects to consider: With its numerous benefits, BYOD is becoming one of the most effective approaches in research. When implementing BYOD in practice, clinicians and IT specialists should consider the following aspects in order to overcome challenges and possible risks (“9 Key Factors to Evaluate When Considering BYOD”):

• App-based and web-based BYOD: Experts must decide on either an app-based or web-based BYOD. mHealth apps, as stated above, are increasing in popularity. They allow patients to complete a wide variety of PRO’s, including diaries, reports, and reminders. App-based BYOD can benefit populations that use smartphones on a daily basis, as well as the administration of simple questionnaires. Note that unexpected events (e.g., changing phones) should be considered. Web-based BYOD, on the other hand, allows patients to enter data through a web browser (e.g., Chrome) via their own devices (e.g., PC). They are effective in Phase IV studies and in a large number of patients. Note that web-based questionnaires can automatically resize according to the screen size of any patient’s mobile device.
• Usability and availability: BYOD can improve usability. Nevertheless, although some patients prefer BYOD over provisioned devices, experts should consider patients who need additional training or have privacy concerns. Note that with the increasing range of mobile devices on the market, staff may also need additional training to provide support – regarding OS, brands, and study schedules. Also, although more and more people use technology on a daily basis, researchers need to make sure that enrollment is not biased by mobile device ownership (e.g., age and location). In fact, experts can employ a combined approach, and provide a provisioned device to subjects without a personal device. Note that to ensure accuracy and safety, provisioned devices have their calling and browsing options disabled and run only study software.
• Compliance: In research, eCOA reveal high levels of compliance (over 90%). Yet, when compared to other eCOA, BYOD can improve the user experience. To set an example, a study with 89% BYOD usage revealed compliance rates at 91.5% (“9 Key Factors to Evaluate When Considering BYOD”). Another study about the use of probiotic supplement showed that there’s a difference between provisioned devices and BYOD regarding compliance and engagement. Participants (n=87) were assigned to use a mobile application or no intervention. The mobile application subjects were additionally randomized into two groups: BYOD and a provided smartphone. Results revealed that BYOD is feasible in healthcare: the BYOD subgroup showed higher engagement, use of an application, and frequency. Nevertheless, when designing a clinical study, experts should consider the fact they can’t control or lock down personal devices (Pugliese et al.)
• Costs and training: BYOD can result in lower research costs. Although provisioned devices are widely used in research, experts agree that training, maintenance, and delivery can be costly. BYOD, on the other hand, can eliminate additional costs and logistic obstacles, as well as improve the user experience. Note that although BYOD can reduce costs associated with delivery and provisioned devices, sponsors still need to consider factors, such as training of staff, availability of support (e.g., support desk), and burden on participants. Since participants are using their own devices, sponsors should include reimbursements for all the data sending costs.
• Regulations and privacy risks: Before implementing BYOD in research, sponsors must ensure data consistency, quality, and transparency (Marshall, 2014). Note that even screen size may lead to bias. The stage of the study can also affect the implementation of BYOD. Therefore, experts must always consult regulatory bodies, follow existing regulations, and maintain clear documentation. Researchers should also establish a good relationship with the owners of the original questionnaires and get the owner’s permission to migrate the tool onto an electronic platform. Most of all, privacy concerns must be addressed. In fact, when it comes to privacy concerns, BYOD can ensure safety. Protection features (e.g., unique PIN) and encrypted data can improve the security of any software.

BYOD checklist: Creating a good study design is one of the major factors for scientific success. Apart from the aspects described above, researchers should consider the following checklist (“9 Key Factors to Evaluate When Considering BYOD”):

• The phase of the study
• Type of questionnaires (including items and images)
• Type of data (e.g., symptoms, data reported by patients)
• Frequency and duration of data collection
• Data collection (e.g. on-the-go)
• Characteristics of the population and the geographical situation (e.g., access to technology, shipping costs)

Clinical trials with BYOD: Research proves that BYOD is an effective approach in practice, considering patient management, compliance, and satisfaction. Based on Google Analytics, the findings from the randomized trial described earlier revealed that the BYOD subgroup showed higher engagement with the intervention, more application sessions per day, and longer sessions. Interestingly, the BYOD subgroup showed a significant effect of engagement on drug compliance in the end-line period of the trial. In fact, interviews revealed that BYOD users found it easy to integrate the mobile application into their daily routines (Pugliese et al., 2016).