gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: Data driven analysis in medicine are becoming increasingly popular. Often algorithms are used to detect individual deviations. Nevertheless, real-word data is rarely collected and included into analysis. Especially quality of life (QoL) is affected by environmental influences and varies between patients. There is great potential to detect personal limitations by a longitudinal survey of QoL. Currently, however, there is no system that satisfactorily enables such a measurement.

Methods: Firstly we conducted a literature research about common measurements of QoL and their applicability to long-term evaluation. Based thereon, the need was identified to conceptualize a system that enables a longitudinal survey of QoL. Key points were the development of a solution, suitable for everyday use and capable of being integrated into processes of the health care system.

Results: A system for a data-driven evaluation by combining real-world sensor-based measurements as well as user interactions was designed to enable a longitudinal collection of QoL. With an interoperable data collecting through FHIR, a rule-based interpretation leads to a personalized evaluation of data. The aim was to replace the rigid construct of questionnaires by acquiring part of the data continuously through sensors. These insights may then be combined with specific questions mapped to detected limitations. Through a continuous collection of data and therefore the possibility to gather a baseline of an individual, data driven analysis of personal restrictions in QoL are possible and therefore the interpretation of limitations can be personalized.

Conclusion: Fundamental aspects of developing such a system should be the applicability, interoperability and personalization. Furthermore, since QoL cannot be collected exclusively via sensor values, attention should be paid to good usability of the system to simplify the interaction for the patient. This concept may later help in decision support, but must first be implemented and evaluated.

The MOLIT Institute is a non-profit organization, funded by donation. The last two authors are the founders of the MOLIT Institute.

The authors declare that an ethics committee vote is not required.