Wearable devices for seizure detection: Practical experiences and recommendations from the Wearables for Epilepsy And Research (WEAR) International Study Group
Elisa Bruno, Sebastian Böttcher, Pedro F. Viana, Marta Amengual‐Gual, Boney Joseph, Nino Epitashvili, Matthias Dümpelmann, Martin Glasstetter, Andrea Biondi, Kristof Van Laerhoven, Tobias Loddenkemper, Mark P. Richardson, Andreas Schulze‐Bonhage, Benjamin H. Brinkmann
Abstract
The Wearables for Epilepsy And Research (WEAR) International Study Group identified a set of methodology standards to guide research on wearable devices for seizure detection. We formed an international consortium of experts from clinical research, engineering, computer science, and data analytics at the beginning of 2020. The study protocols and practical experience acquired during the development of wearable research studies were discussed and analyzed during bi-weekly virtual meetings to highlight commonalities, strengths, and weaknesses, and to formulate recommendations. Seven major essential components of the experimental design were identified, and recommendations were formulated about: (1) description of study aims, (2) policies and agreements, (3) study population, (4) data collection and technical infrastructure, (5) devices, (6) reporting results, and (7) data sharing. Introducing a framework of methodology standards promotes optimal, accurate, and consistent data collection. It also guarantees that studies are generalizable and comparable, and that results can be replicated, validated, and shared.