Patients’ expectations and experiences with the usage of a self-care application for heart failure: A qualitative interview study

Autor: Anne Neumann, Bianca Steiner, Marlo Verket, Niveditha Daneeza Dinesh Kanna, Loreena Hill, Anne McNulty, Josiane J. J. Boyne, Marguerite Murphy, Yannick Maaser, Donna Fitzsimons, Matthew Barrett, Chantal F. Ski, Katharina Schütt, Thomas M. Helms, Hans-Peter Brunner-La Rocca, Bettina Zippel-Schultz
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Digital Health, Vol 10 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2055-2076
20552076
DOI: 10.1177/20552076241299649
Popis: Background Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease characterized by high mortality and healthcare expenditures. Digital health solutions, including mobile health applications (apps), offer opportunities to enhance patients’ self-care and quality of life. This qualitative study aimed to explore expectations, experiences, and usage behaviour of HF-patients regarding a self-care app ( DoctorME app). Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted at 2-3 weeks (initial: n = 38), and 4–6 months (post: n = 45) of app use across four European countries. Most patients were male (initial: 84%; post: 78%), aged 60–69 years (initial and post: 29%), with mild HF symptoms. Interviews were transcribed, pseudonymised, and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Five key themes were identified: 1) expectations , 2) perceived usability and benefit, 3) usage behaviour and experiences, 4) self-care, and 5) social influences. Patients expected and valued continuous monitoring of vital signs and weight, early detection of deterioration, and quick feedback. The app was considered user-friendly, with most patients using it as recommended (eight times per month). Those reporting improved self-care attributed it to increased awareness and a sense of security. Patients with established self-care routines did not perceive any additional benefit. Patients’ perceptions on the impact of healthcare professionals’ and relatives opinions on app use were divided. Conclusions User-friendliness, continuous monitoring, rapid feedback, and e-learning modules are crucial for integrating self-care apps into daily HF care. While technical reliability and individualisation may enhance long-term use, most HF patients considered the app as a complement to, not a replacement for, professional healthcare guidance.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
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