Cyber-Situational Awarenss in Clinical Trials Using Wearable Device Technology

It is estimated 1 in 3 clinical trials utilize a wearable device to gather real-time participant data, including sleep habits, telemetry, and physical activity. While wearable technologies (including smart watches, USBs, and implantable devices) have been revolutionary in their ability to provide a higher precision and accuracy to data acquisition external to the research milieu, there is hesitancy among providers and participants alike given security concerns, perception of cyber-related threats, and meaning attributed to privacy issues. The purpose of this research is to define cyber-situational awareness (CSA) as it pertains to clinical trials, evaluate its current measurement, and describe best practices for research investigators and trial participants to enhance protections in the digital age. This paper reviews integrated elements of CSA within the process of informed consent when wearable devices are implemented for trial procedures.Evaluation of CSA as part of informed consent allows the research site to support the participant in knowledge gaps surrounding the technology while also providing feedback to the trial sponsor as to technology improvements to enhance usability and wearability of the device.