Feasibility of Using sipIT Tools to Increase Compliance With Fluid Consumption Guidelines in Urolithiasis-Prone Subjects

Complying with fluid consumption guidelines provides a variety of health benefits. Patients with a history of urolithiasis are a segment of the population that can benefit from meeting physician-recommended fluid consumption guidelines. Preliminary studies with this population have revealed patient interest in using various technologies (i.e., wrist-worn sensors, smart water bottles, mobile applications) to increase their fluid consumption but the investigators are not aware of any that combine multiple technologies. The investigators' long-term goal is to examine if just-in-time reminder notifications to drink following periods when patients have not been drinking will increase compliance among patients with a history of urolithiasis. To prepare for that study, the investigators seek to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the sipIT tools in this study.

This study is part three of a set of studies aimed at determining the feasibility of using technology to increase compliance with fluid consumption guidelines. Preliminary data included 1) a focus group of participants with a history of urolithiasis and 2) a lab study to examine the feasibility of using wrist-worn sensors to detect non-alcoholic drinking events. Data from the focus group revealed that participants are interested in using a variety of technologies (e.g., wrist-worn sensors, smart water bottles, mobile applications) to assist with increasing fluid consumption. Data from the lab study revealed that using wrist-worn inertial sensors to detect drinking events is feasible. Based on data from the lab study, an algorithm was developed to detect these drinking events and has been implemented in a consumer smartwatch consumer smartwatch app for just-in-time drinking detection.

Inclusion criteria

• Fluent in spoken and written English, and capable of providing informed consent
• Own an iPhone (version 6 or higher)
• History of urolithiasis
• Willingness to complete all study procedures: completing questionnaires, participating in semi-structured interviews, tracking fluid consumption, wearing a FitBit Versa and receiving notifications on the FitBit and their smartphone for a three-month period

Exclusion criteria

• Any medical condition that interferes with regular fluid consumption