User-based evaluation of applicability and usability of a wearable accelerometer device for detecting bilateral tonic-clonic seizures: A field study

Abstract

Clinical validation studies of seizure detection devices conducted in epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs) can be biased by the artificial environment. We report a field (phase 4) study of a wearable accelerometer device (Epi-Care) that has previously been validated in EMUs for detecting bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (BTCS). Seventy-one patients using the device (or their caregivers) completed the modified Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire. Median time patients had been using the device was 15 months (range = 24 days-6 years). In 10% of cases, patients stopped using the device due to reasons related to the device. The median sensitivity (90%) and false alarm rate (0.1/d) were similar to what had been determined in EMUs. Patients and caregivers were overall satisfied with the device (median = 5.5 on the 7-point Likert scale), considered the technical aspects satisfactory, and considered the device comfortable and efficient. Adverse effects occurred in 11%, but were only mild: skin irritation at the wrist and interference with home electronic appliances. In 55% the device influenced the number of seizures logged into the seizure diary, and in 40% it contributed to fewer seizure-related injuries. This field study demonstrates the applicability and usability of the wearable accelerometer device for detecting BTCS.

Keywords: field study; phase 4; seizure detection; wearable accelerometer device.