STAT March 20, 2020
A highly anticipated heart study of the Apple Watch is facing disruptions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with enrollment slowing down and both retail store restrictions and social distancing measures interfering with a novel plan for seniors to obtain the devices.
But, as the pandemic stretches on, the study could also become a test case for the opportunities of clinical research conducted remotely — both during the crisis and after it has passed.
The Heartline Study, being conducted jointly by Apple and Johnson & Johnson, aims to follow seniors — some of whom may have an undetected heart problem known as atrial fibrillation — to see what happens when they wear an Apple Watch or receive health tips...