1. About PartnerSteps
PartnerSteps is a research platform operated by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), funded by Diabetes Canada. It supports a clinical research study examining step count interventions in adults with type 2 diabetes and their partners. The platform is not a commercial service and is not open to the general public.
2. Access and Eligibility
Access to PartnerSteps is limited to individuals enrolled in the Partner Step T2D study and to authorized study personnel. Participants do not log into the platform directly — the study team manages platform access and device authorization on participants' behalf, in accordance with the approved study protocol and informed consent obtained from each participant.
3. Purpose of the Platform
The platform is used exclusively to retrieve daily step count data from participant wearable devices via the Google Health API, calculate personalized weekly step targets using the study's algorithm, and support the operational needs of the research study. It is not used for any commercial purpose.
4. Google Health API Authorization
The platform accesses step count data through the Google Health API using the activity_and_fitness.readonly scope. This authorization is obtained by the study team on behalf of each participant. Use of data obtained through the Google Health API complies with the Google API Services User Data Policy.
5. No Medical Advice
PartnerSteps is a research data collection and tracking tool. Step targets generated by the platform are for research purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Participants and their healthcare providers are responsible for all clinical decisions.
6. Data Use
Data collected through the platform is used solely for the purposes described in the Privacy Policy and in accordance with the RI-MUHC REB-approved study protocol. Data is not sold or used for commercial purposes.
7. Limitation of Liability
The platform is provided for research purposes under the governance of the RI-MUHC research ethics framework. The RI-MUHC, McGill University, and the study team are not liable for interruptions in service, technical failures of third-party wearable devices or APIs, or any outcomes related to step targets generated by the platform.
8. Changes to These Terms
These terms may be updated during the course of the study. Any material changes will be communicated through the study team in accordance with the approved study protocol.
9. Contact
For questions about these terms or the PartnerSteps platform, contact the research team at partnersteprimuhc@gmail.com.