Evaluation of a Novel Wellness Assessment Device (Preventiometer): A Feasibility Pilot Study

Abstract

BackgroundPeriodic wellness assessments can provide an estimate of a person’s relative risks for major diseases, but wellness visits are underused. Our suggestion is to use a comprehensive device during a single visit.ObjectiveThe goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel one-stop wellness device (Preventiometer; iPEx5 GmbH, Greifswald, Germany) for performing multiple tests and providing a comprehensive wellness assessment in a short period.MethodsA Preventiometer was used to provide wellness assessments for 10 healthy volunteers who then answered a 25-question survey to rate their satisfaction with the testing and their overall impression.ResultsAll volunteers agreed or strongly agreed with the following: The assessment reports were easy to understand, the Preventiometer met their satisfaction, the participants were comfortable during the assessment, and all measurements and testing were well coordinated. Participants liked the instant test result feature. Most (90%) agreed that the machine was useful for a quick health assessment for busy people, and 70% felt that it was time efficient.ConclusionIn this feasibility pilot study, the Preventiometer performed multiple tasks and provided a comprehensive wellness assessment in a short period. Participants reported remarkably high satisfaction with the tests. A larger study is needed to prove that this is a pragmatic approach to help individuals improve their health.

Preventiometer, a Novel Wellness Assessment Device, Used With Healthy Volunteers: A Phase 2 Study

“…Our previous 25-question survey 38 was expanded into a 32item survey to collect participants' feedback in the following areas:…”

“…For this large-scale Preventiometer phase 2 study, we completed all the tests described in our previous study, 38 which included measurements of vital signs, pulmonary function, cardiovascular status, body muscle and fat, hearing and vision, bone density and spine analysis, and posture. In addition, a complete blood cell count was performed.…”

“…Of the 56 who answered the question, 52 (92.9%) said that they would be willing to pay a fee. 38 When participants were asked to provide a dollar amount for how much they would pay, 38 answered, with amounts ranging from $25 to $600 (Figure 2B), and 14 did not specify the amount. The median amount participants were willing to pay was $150, and the mean was $193.…”

“…36,37 Reasons for underuse may include the following: (1) physicians' time constraints for asymptomatic patients; (2) lack of awareness about the benefits of wellness, lifestyle management, and wellness resources 35 ; (3) patients' fear of learning about abnormal findings from wellness visits and screening tests; (4) uncertainty about insurance coverage for wellness visits; and (5) multiple appointments for laboratory testing and discussions about wellness assessment results. 38 Some of these issues could be addressed with an innovative approach that uses a multitesting medical device with supportive technologies and provides a one-stop health assessment with recurrent follow-up support to maintain a healthy lifestyle. [39][40][41][42] We assessed a wellness evaluation device, the Preventiometer (iPEx5 GmbH, Greifswald, Germany), that has the unique capability to generate comprehensive data from several tests.…”

“…[39][40][41][42] We assessed a wellness evaluation device, the Preventiometer (iPEx5 GmbH, Greifswald, Germany), that has the unique capability to generate comprehensive data from several tests. 38 The Preventiometer is a one-stop device that measures several health parameters and produces a broadranging health evaluation quickly. We previously conducted a pilot study with 10 healthy volunteers to determine the feasibility of using the Preventiometer in an academic medical center.…”