The purpose of the study was to evaluate the usability and usefulness of remote monitoring of vital physiological signs in supporting independent living.

The study involved 10 independently living older adults and two nurses. The older adults used the product for 2 months, measuring their vital physiological signs at least three times a week with a mobile application. The nurses monitored the measurement results from their interface, and the older adults had the opportunity to meet with a nurse weekly to discuss the results. At the end of the study, the nurses were interviewed, and the participants provided anonymous feedback using a questionnaire based on the MeCUE framework.

During the testing period, 423 measurements were collected. Participants successfully conducted measurements independently and consistently. The success rate for pulse and respiratory rate measurements was high: pulse values were successfully obtained in 99% of measurements, and respiratory rates in 95%.

Almost all participants reported that the application was easy and effortless to use (usability mean 4.37, SD 0.81). They also appreciated the portability of the device (a mobile phone), which could be used even while traveling. Some negative feedback concerned the difficulty of holding the phone in the correct position during measurements. Participants also found the product relatively useful (mean 3.62, SD 0.95). The biggest challenge was interpreting the measurement results. Participants were not always sure what constituted a "normal" value. As many participants had cardiac symptoms, their reference values were highly individual. Therefore, regular discussions with a nurse were crucial.

The nurses found the application suitable for independently living individuals capable of conducting measurements reliably and consistently. For users with cognitive challenges, regular monitoring of measurement values by healthcare professionals is essential. In such cases, the application must provide easily interpretable information to support decision-making. Alerts and trend views were considered necessary.

When developing remote technologies for older adults, it is essential to ensure the reliability of the product and that the user interface is designed with a user-centric approach. The willingness and ability of older adults to use the product must also be carefully evaluated. Regular and independently conducted remote measurements can provide reliable information about health trends, allowing early intervention in case of abnormalities.