Design, implementation, and examination of a remote patient monitoring system for pediatric obesity: Protocol for an open trial pilot study

Abstract

Background: Pediatric obesity is a critical public health issue. Augmenting care in multidisciplinary pediatric obesity clinics with innovative evidence-based technology to improve weight status and health outcomes is needed. Objective: This study describes the design and methods of an open trial pilot study to examine a remote patient monitoring system (RPMS) for children aged 8-17 years who are receiving treatment in a multidisciplinary pediatric obesity clinic. Methods: Participants will include 45 youth with obesity and their parents. Families will receive standard care in the clinic and the RPMS for 3 months. The RPMS consists of a tablet, weight scale, and pedometer. The system provides daily educational content and involves the use of the pedometer and weekly weigh-ins. Children and parents will complete baseline, posttreatment (month 3), and follow-up assessments (month 6). The primary aim of the study is to examine feasibility and satisfaction with the RPMS and assess its initial effectiveness. Results: We hypothesize high feasibility and satisfaction, with rates over 75%. Furthermore, after RPMS treatment, children will exhibit improved weight status, health outcomes, dietary intake, physical activity, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, and home-food environment compared to before treatment. These gains are expected to persist at follow-up. Conclusions: This study is novel in that it is the first to design, implement, and examine an RPMS in a pediatric obesity clinic. If the RPMS is feasible, effective, and easily accessible, it may prove to be a practical, acceptable, and cost-effective weight management treatment for youth seeking treatment for severe obesity.