uMotif lead

A new study shows that Parkinson’s patients using a health-monitoring app are 10% more likely to take meds on time and attend clinical consultations


Results from a new study published in ‘Nature Parkinson’s journal’ suggest patients using the uMotif app to track symptoms and health data have shown a 10% improvement in adherence to medication routines, as well as a significant improvement in their overall experience of care.

The app developed for smartphones was used in seven of the UK’s leading National Health Service (NHS) neurology departments to test adherence, patient activation and the experience of the NHS care of more than 200 people living with Parkinson’s. Patients used the app’s tracking function to record their Parkinson’s symptoms and medications, while also playing cognitive games and keeping a regular diary over a 16-week period.

Results have shown that patients were more engaged, better at taking their medication and had better consultations with their clinical teams as a result of using the digital platform.

uMotif tracking interface

The interface allows patients to track 10 self-monitoring measures on a five-point scale. These include sleep, exercise, mood, energy, movement and suppleness.

uMotif medications

System reminders help track medication.

uMotif pain

The app provides users with the option to generate a report of all data entered, which can be used as an aid at their 16-week follow-up appointment.

uMotif finger tapping test

The finger-tapping games shown above tracks physical responsiveness.

In the journal article, the study’s authors write that the consequences of failing to follow medication and treatment plans is linked to “poor quality of life, increased hospitalisation admissions and premature mortality”. The study hopes to glean results that could eventually improve overall quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s.

Tom Isaacs, co-founder of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, said: “From a patient’s perspective it’s great to see evidence that digital technology designed and built for patients to capture their own data has an important impact on clinical care. We hope that this type of technology is adopted quickly by people”

“The team behind uMotif claim that their app could save the NHS over £20m on Parkinson’s each year”

The team behind uMotif also claim that if their tool could be rolled out to neurology departments across the UK, it could save the NHS over £20m on Parkinson’s each year. The platform can also be used in 15 other clinical conditions, which could save the NHS over £1 billion each year.

Juliet Bauer, NHS England’s director of digital experience, said: “Today’s NHS is all about embracing proven new technologies like uMotif’s to make a difference to patients’ experience of care, and to help to improve services across the country. We’re delighted to see the growing evidence base of how such technologies can make a real difference.”


Read the full journal article in ‘Nature’ magazine here

Visit the uMotif website

Image credit: uMotif