Our IDEA-FAST webinar on “New Ways of Measuring Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances in Chronic Diseases” witnessed active participation from a diverse group of attendees, including representatives from patient advocacy organizations, industry professionals, researchers, and healthcare providers. The session focused on discussing the latest advancements in research and the potential benefits that digital endpoints can bring to current treatment opportunities.
During the webinar, the panel of speakers shared their expertise on chronic illnesses and highlighted the challenges faced by patients in relation to fatigue and sleep disturbances. Two patient testimonials provided poignant insights into the impact of living with a chronic disease on their daily activities. Isabel Redder, providing a patient perspective, emphasized the prevalence of fatigue as the most common symptom in chronic diseases and highlighted the arduous journey to diagnosis. Underscoring the underestimation of fatigue in chronic diseases, she expressed her gratitude for participating in a research project aimed at addressing this critical issue.
During the Q&A session, diverse topics were discussed. Several attendees stated they were unfamiliar with digital endpoints, highlighting the need for greater awareness and education in this area. The participants discussed the role of digital biomarkers in improving patient care and treatment management. They explored the potential of digital endpoints to provide objective indications of fatigue, thereby allowing patients to feel more heard and enabling better monitoring and adaptation of therapies. The significance of physical activity in managing sleep disturbances and fatigue was also emphasized, particularly in the context of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
Furthermore, participants expressed their interest in supporting the research project and extending its reach beyond Europe. Suggestions were made to advertise the study’s recruiting sites in the UK and explore potential collaborations with patient advocacy organizations. The participants also raised questions regarding the use of digital data by patients to communicate with clinicians and family members about their fatigue, as well as the challenges of measuring fatigue in individuals living with multiple chronic diseases.
Overall, the webinar provided an informative platform for discussing the measurement of fatigue and sleep disturbances in chronic diseases. The active participation and contributions from the diverse range of attendees underscored the importance of addressing these issues and finding innovative solutions to improve the lives of individuals affected by chronic illnesses.
You can find a recording of the webinar on YouTube.
