Congratulations to Anthony Goodings, the recipient of a Health Research Board (HRB) Summer Student Scholarship 2024, to lead work on the Wear and Share Student along with the PI Dr John O’Donoghue (BIS).
Wear and Share study:
This study aims to explore the intricacies of smartwatch usage and the comfort levels associated with health data sharing. Recognising the ubiquity of smartwatches in health monitoring, this research seeks to dissect the multifaceted factors that influence users' continuous engagement with these devices and their willingness to share the generated health data. This study holds significant potential for enhancing healthcare delivery and public health policies by leveraging the vast amounts of data gathered from daily health and activity monitoring.
Employing a mixed-methods approach, the Wear and Share study involves a comprehensive survey and focus group discussions to delve into users' experiences, expectations, and concerns. It aims to gather insights on the continuous use of wearables and delineate the privacy considerations and motivations underlying the sharing of health data with healthcare professionals, governmental bodies, and private entities. By pinpointing the barriers and facilitators to smartwatch data integration into healthcare systems, the "Wear and Share" study endeavours to pave the way for innovative practices in medical care and public health, optimising the utility of wearable technology for patient health management and research purposes.
Description of the HRB SSS 2024 Call:
The Health Research Board Summer Student Scholarships 2024 (HRB SSS 2024) underscores the HRB's commitment to fostering early-stage researchers in the field of health. This initiative provides a unique platform for undergraduate students to engage in substantive research projects under the mentorship of established investigators. By supporting projects that span a wide range of health-related disciplines, the HRB SSS 2024 aims to stimulate a passion for research among students, equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary to pursue successful careers in health research.
Anthony Goodings Bio:
Anthony James Goodings, an MB, BCh, BAO candidate at the School of Medicine at University College Cork, has an interest in integrating technology with healthcare. His research spans smartwatch use for health data sharing, palliative care in oncology, and AI in medicine. He holds a diploma in Health Sciences from Québec and has undertaken additional five-credit modules at UCC such as Global Citizenship and Entrepreneurial Mindshift, which diversify his learning. Outside of academia, he is committed to sustainability, demonstrated by his work with the food-waste prevention service Olio, sharing free food with over 100 people in the Cork area.