Who can enter
- Children and/or adults with hypothalamic dysfunction after treatment for a brain tumor during childhood.
- Age between 2 – 40 years
Goal
The goal of this study is to find out if it is feasible for patients with hypothalamic dysfunction to wear a smart wristband (the EndoWatch) for two weeks, day and night. We investigate how the use of the smart watch and the accompanying mobile application is being experienced.
Background
The hypothalamus is an area in the brain that regulates the ‘total balance’ of the body, like a captain on a ship. It regulates the body temperature, the biological clock (sleep), feelings of hunger and thirst, energy metabolism, behavior and the production of various hormones in the body. If the hypothalamus does not fully function anymore because it is damaged, one or more of these tasks cannot be executed. We call this hypothalamic dysfunction. The body is ‘out of balance’. This can cause many symptoms and a poor quality of life.
A smart wristband that can continuously measure the body temperature, stress, sleep and daily activity in patients with hypothalamic dysfunction could relieve the care of parents and/or other caregivers, that currently provide 24/7 care. We refer to this wristband as the EndoWatch. Imbalances can be measured and detected and parents and/or caregivers can act on it sooner.
The goal of this study is to investigate if it is feasible for patients with hypothalamic dysfunction to wear the smart wristband, day and night. We assess how patients experience the use of the accompanying app. Furthermore, we assess what makes that the patient would not want to wear the watch all day, or what is positive or comfortable about wearing the watch. Results of this feasibility study will be used for further research that is needed for the development of this smart wristband.