The association of psychosocial factors with willingness to use smartwatch-based out-of-hospital cardiac arrest detection in the general population

Objective
Wearable-based technology could provide a feasible solution for early recognition of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The current study investigates the role of demographic and psychological factors towards willingness to use smartwatch-based OHCA detection in the general population.

Methods
Data were obtained from a Dutch community-based sample (N = 598; mean age = 48.3 (SD = 16.7) years, 51.5 % women). Willingness to use smartwatch-based OHCA detection was assessed with two specifically designed Likert-scale questions. Reasons for and against using the smartwatch were explored using qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended question answers.

Results
The mean willingness to use smartwatch-based OHCA detection was moderately high (M = 3.54, SD = 1.06; range 1–5). Men (Cohen’s d = 0.19, p = .018) and current health technology users (Cohen’s d = 0.26, p = .004) reported a higher willingness. Regression analyses indicated that younger age (β = − 0.165, p < .001) and a higher willingness to share health-related data (β = 0.298, p < .001) were associated with willingness to use this technology. There were no associations with the presence of cardiovascular disease, perceived OHCA risk or psychological factors. Qualitatively assessed benefits included a higher chance of survival and generally feeling safer, while reasons against included the absence of necessity, stress, privacy and financial barriers.

Conclusion
Demographics and technological experience were associated with willingness to use smartwatch based OHCA detection. Qualitative analyses indicate a potential role for psychological factors. Further studies are needed with real-life prototypes among cardiac patients at risk of OHCA.