Device strategy

Fit-for-purpose

Endpoint-first selection

Deployment options

BYOD + Provisioned

Study-specific flexibility

Operational goal

Usable Data

Not just shipped hardware

Endpoint-focused. Vendor-agnostic.

Wearable Devices
for Clinical Trials

Delve supports a broad ecosystem of wearable devices used in clinical trials, including activity, cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, sleep, temperature, and multi-sensor technologies. Our approach is fit-for-purpose and vendor-agnostic — matching the right device strategy to the endpoint, participant population, and operational realities of the study.

Better device fit · Better participant experience · Better signal continuity.

CGM
ECG
SpO₂
SLEEP

Device Selection Model

Choose → Deploy → Monitor → Recover

“I can use the device — but it has to fit into normal life.”
The best device is not the one with the longest spec sheet. It is the one participants can actually use and the study can operationally support.
Strong device strategy protects the endpoint before the first signal is even collected.
Choose for the study, not the catalog Endpoint-aligned and operationally realistic

Representative Device Ecosystem

Delve supports a broad wearable ecosystem across clinical trial use cases, with device strategy built around endpoint needs, participant burden, signal quality, and study operations — not vendor preference.

Activity & Movement

Example devices include Garmin, Fitbit, and ActiGraph GT9X for activity, mobility, wear-time, and movement-related digital measures.

Multi-Modal Wearables

Example devices include Apple Watch, Withings HR / ScanWatch, and MegaRing for multi-signal monitoring across heart rate, sleep, and physiologic trends.

Glucose Monitoring

Example devices include Dexcom G6 / G7, Abbott Libre 2 / 3, and connected Bluetooth glucometers for continuous glucose and metabolic monitoring.

Respiratory

Example devices include MIR Spirometer and NuvoAir for home respiratory monitoring, lung function workflows, and remote symptom context.

Cardiovascular

Example devices include cellular blood pressure monitors, Circul+, Omron Series, and AliveCor for cardiovascular and physiologic monitoring workflows.

SpO₂ Monitoring

Example devices include cellular pulse oximeters and Nonin Connect for oxygenation, pulse, and physiologic monitoring outside the site.

Body Metrics

Example devices include Withings Body Pro and Body Comp Scale for weight, body metrics, and metabolic-study support.

Temperature

Example devices include digital thermometers and TempTraq for temperature capture and remote safety monitoring workflows.

Endpoint-focused. Vendor-agnostic. Delve selects and supports devices based on fit-for-purpose study needs, participant usability, and operational success — not a fixed hardware stack.

20+

Integrated Wearables

500K+

Participants Supported

92%

Overall Compliance

95%

90-Day Diary Completion

The Right Question: “Best Device” for What?

Weak selection logic

  • Most features wins
  • Consumer popularity drives the choice
  • Lowest hardware cost wins
  • Endpoint comes after device selection
  • Participant burden underestimated

Fit-for-purpose logic

  • Endpoint needs drive device selection
  • Population usability is evaluated early
  • Signal quality and operational fit are assessed together
  • Logistics and support are part of the decision
  • Device strategy supports long-term continuity

The best wearable device is the one that can support the study from first use through final analysis.

BYOD vs Provisioned Device Strategy

One of the most important device decisions is whether to support bring your own device (BYOD), fully provisioned kits, or a hybrid model.

The right answer depends on the participant population, digital literacy, geographic spread, protocol risk, and the level of control the study needs.

See related pages: Provisioning · Device Integration

BYOD versus provisioned wearable device strategy for clinical trials

What Sponsors Should Evaluate Before Selecting a Device

Device selection should be pressure-tested across signal quality, participant experience, and real study operations.

Signal relevance

Does the device actually produce the measures the study needs in a usable way?

Wearability

Can participants realistically wear or use it for the needed duration without excessive fatigue or discomfort?

Connectivity

How reliably does the device transmit data, and what happens when pairing or sync issues occur?

Battery and maintenance

Does battery behavior create added participant burden or risk of silent data loss?

Population fit

Is the device appropriate for the age, disease burden, dexterity, and digital familiarity of the target cohort?

Operational recovery

Can the study team detect issues quickly and resolve them without creating site overload?

Device strategy should anticipate friction, not assume perfect usage.

Why Good Devices Still Fail in Studies

Even high-quality wearable devices can underperform if the study does not support them operationally.

This is why device strategy has to include monitoring, support, and recovery — not just hardware selection.

Related pages: Signal QC · Support

Why wearable devices can still fail in clinical trials without support and QC

FAQ

Should every clinical trial use a wearable device?

No. A wearable should be used when it adds meaningful signal or improves endpoint strategy, not just because the technology is available.

Are consumer wearables enough for research?

Sometimes, depending on context of use. The key is whether the device fits the endpoint, study design, participant population, and operational model.

Why does Delve focus so much on fit-for-purpose selection?

Because the wrong device can create burden, data gaps, and support noise even if it looks impressive on paper.

Need Help Selecting the Right Wearable Devices for Your Study?

Delve helps sponsors choose fit-for-purpose wearable strategies that balance endpoint value, participant burden, device operations, and long-term data continuity.

Book a Wearables Walkthrough

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