The experience and perception of wearable devices in Parkinson’s disease patients: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder, affecting over 8.5 million people worldwide, with symptoms that severely impact patients’ quality of life. While treatments like levodopa and deep brain stimulation help manage symptoms, they require frequent adjustments and have limitations. Wearable devices offer real-time monitoring of motor and non-motor symptoms, enabling personalized treatment, but challenges related to comfort, usability, and patient adherence hinder their widespread adoption. Many individuals with PD experience discomfort, emotional distress, or interface difficulties, reducing long-term adherence. This study synthesizes qualitative research on patients’ experiences with wearables to identify key usability barriers and improve device design for better clinical integration. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for qualitative systematic reviews, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases up to March 3, 2025. Additional gray literature and reference lists were examined manually. Included qualitative studies underwent comprehensive assessment, integration, and analysis. Results: Nine studies were included, identifying four main themes and eleven sub-themes. The four primary themes were physiological experience, psychological Responses, social Interaction, and Expectation. Conclusion: This meta-synthesis reveals the dual role of wearable devices in managing Parkinson’s disease, improving patient autonomy and disease control while presenting challenges in comfort, reliability, and emotional well-being. The findings emphasize the need for personalized, context-sensitive devices that adapt to fluctuating PD symptoms, address privacy concerns, and seamlessly integrate into clinical practice to improve clinical outcomes and patient adherence.