scholarly journals Designing Disease-Specific mHealth Apps for Clinical Value

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim Keshavjee ◽  
Dustin Johnston-Jewell ◽  
Brian Lee ◽  
Robert Kyba
Keyword(s):  
Use Case ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Potential Growth ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Continued Use ◽  
App Design ◽  
Patient Use ◽  
Mhealth Apps ◽  
Disease Specific

mHealth apps for patient use are promising but continue to face a plateau in usage. Current apps work for a limited segment of the patient population, i.e., those who enjoy tracking for intrinsic rewards. There are many opportunities to support patient care in between health care provider visits that are not currently being met for many diseases and patient types (personas). This is an area of great potential growth for mHealth apps and could contribute greatly to patient health and wellness. In this chapter, we propose a framework for how to think about the between-visit needs of patients that would motivate continued use of mhealth apps. We view the app design process from the following perspectives: 1) disease-specific needs, 2) non-disease specific needs, 3) behavioral theoretical aspects of app usage and 4) app-intrinsic usage motivators. Myasthenia gravis serves as the use case for illustrating these perspectives and how to use them in designing a disease-specific mHealth app.

scholarly journals The Continued Use of Mobile Health Apps: Insights From a Longitudinal Study

10.2196/12983 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e12983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac Vaghefi ◽  
Bengisu Tulu
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Depth Of Knowledge ◽  
Health Goals ◽  
Mobile Health Apps ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Continued Use ◽  
Mhealth Apps

Background Mobile health (mHealth) apps that support individuals pursuing health and wellness goals, such as weight management, stress management, smoking cessation, and self-management of chronic conditions have been on the rise. Despite their potential benefits, the use of these tools has been limited, as most users stop using them just after a few times of use. Under this circumstance, achieving the positive outcomes of mHealth apps is less likely. Objective The objective of this study was to understand continued use of mHealth apps and individuals’ decisions related to this behavior. Methods We conducted a qualitative longitudinal study on continued use of mHealth apps. We collected data through 34 pre- and postuse interviews and 193 diaries from 17 participants over two weeks. Results We identified 2 dimensions that help explain continued use decisions of users of mHealth apps: users’ assessment of mHealth app and its capabilities (user experience) and their persistence at their health goals (intent). We present the key factors that influence users’ assessment of an mHealth app (interface design, navigation, notifications, data collection methods and tools, goal management, depth of knowledge, system rules, actionable recommendations, and user system fit) and relate these factors to previous literature on behavior change technology design. Using these 2 dimensions, we developed a framework that illustrated 4 decisions users might make after initial interaction with mHealth apps (to abandon use, limit use, switch app, and continue use). We put forth propositions to be explored in future research on mHealth app use. Conclusions This study provides insight into the factors that shape users’ decisions to continue using mHealth apps, as well as other likely decision scenarios after the initial use experience. The findings contribute to extant knowledge of mHealth use and provide important implications for design of mHealth apps to increase long-term engagement of the users.

Patient use of online medical records: an application of technology acceptance framework

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-115
Author(s):  
Surma Mukhopadhyay ◽  
Ramsankar Basak ◽  
Darrell Carpenter ◽  
Brian J. Reithel
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Us ◽  
Continued Use ◽  
Patient Use

Purpose Little is known about factors that affect patient use of online medical records (OMR). Specifically, with rising vulnerability concerns associated with security and privacy breaches, patient use of OMR requires further attention. This paper aims to investigate patient use of OMR. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), factors affecting continued use of OMR were examined. Design/methodology/approach The Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (HINTS 5), Cycle 1 data were used. This is an ongoing nation-wide survey sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the USA. The subjects were 31-74 years old with access to the Internet. Descriptive information was projected to the US population. Findings In total, 765 respondents representing 48.7 million members of the US population were analyzed. Weighted regression results showed significant effects of perceived usefulness, visit frequency and provider encouragement on continued use of OMR while vulnerability perception was not significant. Moderating effects of these variables were also noted. Perceived usefulness and provider encouragement emerged as important predictors. Practical implications Insights may help design interventions by health-care providers and policymakers. Social implications Insights should help patient empowerment and developers with designing systems. Originality/value This is the first study to examine health-care consumers’ continued use of OMR using nationally representative data and real-world patients, many of who have one or more chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, asthma) or are cancer survivors. Results highlight factors helping or hindering continuing OMR use. As such, insights should help identify opportunities to increase the extent of use, project future OMR usage patterns and spread the benefits of OMR, including bringing forth positive health outcomes.

scholarly journals Human Factors and Requirements of People with Cognitive Impairment, Their Caregivers, and Healthcare Professionals for mHealth Apps Including Reminders, Games, and Geolocation Tracking: A Survey-Questionnaire Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Ioulietta Lazarou ◽  
Thanos G. Stavropoulos ◽  
Lampros Mpaltadoros ◽  
Spiros Nikolopoulos ◽  
George Koumanakos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Cognitive Disturbances ◽  
Global Positioning System Tracking ◽  
App Design ◽  
Mhealth Apps

Background: Mobile Health (mHealth) apps can delay the cognitive decline of people with dementia (PwD), by providing both objective assessment and cognitive enhancement. Objective: This patient involvement survey aims to explore human factors, needs and requirements of PwD, their caregivers, and Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) with respect to supportive and interactive mHealth apps, such as brain games, medication reminders, and geolocation trackers through a constructive questionnaire. Methods: Following the principles of user-centered design to involve end-users in design we constructed a questionnaire, containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions as well as multiple choice and Likert scale, in order to investigate the specific requirements and preferences for mHealth apps. We recruited 48 participants including people with cognitive impairment (n = 15), caregivers (n = 16), and HCPs (n = 17) and administered the questionnaire. Results: All participants are likely to use mHealth apps, with the primary desired features being the improvement of memory and cognition, assistance on medication treatment, and perceived ease to use. HCPs, caregivers, and PwD consider brain games as an important technology-based, non-pharmaceutical intervention. Both caregivers and patients are willing to use a medication reminder app frequently. Finally, caregivers are worried about the patient wandering. Therefore, global positioning system tracking would be particularly important to them. On the other hand, patients are concerned about their privacy, but are still willing to use a geolocation app for cases of emergency. Conclusion: This research contributes to mHealth app design and potential adoption. All three groups agree that mHealth services could facilitate care and ameliorate behavioral and cognitive disturbances of patients.

scholarly journals The Continued Use of Mobile Health Apps: Insights From a Longitudinal Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac Vaghefi ◽  
Bengisu Tulu
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Depth Of Knowledge ◽  
Health Goals ◽  
Mobile Health Apps ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Continued Use ◽  
Mhealth Apps

BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth) apps that support individuals pursuing health and wellness goals, such as weight management, stress management, smoking cessation, and self-management of chronic conditions have been on the rise. Despite their potential benefits, the use of these tools has been limited, as most users stop using them just after a few times of use. Under this circumstance, achieving the positive outcomes of mHealth apps is less likely. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to understand continued use of mHealth apps and individuals’ decisions related to this behavior. METHODS We conducted a qualitative longitudinal study on continued use of mHealth apps. We collected data through 34 pre- and postuse interviews and 193 diaries from 17 participants over two weeks. RESULTS We identified 2 dimensions that help explain continued use decisions of users of mHealth apps: users’ assessment of mHealth app and its capabilities (user experience) and their persistence at their health goals (intent). We present the key factors that influence users’ assessment of an mHealth app (interface design, navigation, notifications, data collection methods and tools, goal management, depth of knowledge, system rules, actionable recommendations, and user system fit) and relate these factors to previous literature on behavior change technology design. Using these 2 dimensions, we developed a framework that illustrated 4 decisions users might make after initial interaction with mHealth apps (to abandon use, limit use, switch app, and continue use). We put forth propositions to be explored in future research on mHealth app use. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insight into the factors that shape users’ decisions to continue using mHealth apps, as well as other likely decision scenarios after the initial use experience. The findings contribute to extant knowledge of mHealth use and provide important implications for design of mHealth apps to increase long-term engagement of the users.

scholarly journals Lifestyle Medicine and Otolaryngology: Embracing the Future

OTO Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473974X2110590
Author(s):  
Hailey M. Juszczak ◽  
Richard M. Rosenfeld
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
American Academy ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Lifestyle Medicine ◽  
Personal Wellness ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Surgical Field ◽  
Improve Patient

Lifestyle medicine is a relatively new specialty that focuses on behavior change to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic disease and promote wellness. It is relevant to any medical or surgical field that deals with noninfectious chronic disease and to any individual or community pursuing health and wellness. Lifestyle medicine offers evidence-based interventions and tools to foster wellness and resiliency in ourselves and our patients. This commentary gives a brief background of lifestyle medicine and how embracing the discipline could benefit the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the field of otolaryngology overall. Specifically, we describe opportunities to improve patient health, promote personal wellness, combat burnout, and foster unity among otolaryngology subspeciality societies.

scholarly journals The Impact of Gamification-Induced Users' Feelings on the Continued Use of mHealth Apps: A Structural Equation Model With the Self-Determination Theory Approach (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tong Wang ◽  
Lingye Fan ◽  
Xu Zheng ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Jun Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Continuance Intention ◽  
Continued Use ◽  
Intention To Continue ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mhealth Apps

BACKGROUND Continued use of mHealth apps can achieve better effects in health management. Gamification is an important factor in promoting users’ intention to continue using mHealth apps. Past research has rarely explored the factors underlying the continued use of mobile health (mHealth) apps and gamification’s impact mechanism or path on continued use. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the factors influencing mHealth app users’ intention to continue using mHealth apps and the impact mechanism and path of users’ feelings induced by gamification on continued mHealth app use. METHODS First, based on the expectation confirmation model of information system continuance, we built a theoretical model for continued use of mHealth apps based on users’ feelings toward gamification. We used self-determination theory to analyze gamification’s impact on user perceptions and set the resulting feelings (competence, autonomy, and relatedness) as constructs in the model. Second, we used the survey method to validate the research model, and we used partial least squares to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 2988 responses were collected from mHealth app users, and 307 responses were included in the structural equation model after passing the acceptance criteria. The intrinsic motivation for using mHealth apps is significantly affected by autonomy (β=.312; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), competence (β=.346; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and relatedness (β=.165; <i>P</i>=.004) induced by gamification. The intrinsic motivation for using mHealth apps has a significant impact on satisfaction (β=.311, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and continuance intention (β=.142; <i>P</i>=.045); furthermore, satisfaction impacts continuance intention significantly (β=.415; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Confirmation has a significant impact on perceived usefulness (β=.859; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and satisfaction (β=.391; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and perceived usefulness has a significant impact on satisfaction (β=.269; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and continuance intention (β=.273; <i>P</i>=.001). The mediating effect analysis showed that in the impact path of the intrinsic motivation for using the mHealth apps on continuance intention, satisfaction plays a partial mediating role (β=.129; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), with a variance accounted for of 0.466. CONCLUSIONS This study explored the impact path of users’ feelings induced by gamification on the intention of continued mHealth app use. We confirmed that perceived usefulness, confirmation, and satisfaction in the classical continued use theory for nonmedical information systems positively affect continuance intention. We also found that the path and mechanism of users' feelings regarding autonomy, competence, and relatedness generated during interactions with different gamification elements promote the continued use of mHealth apps.

scholarly journals Evaluating Chinese Mobile Health Apps for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management: Systematic App Search

10.2196/27234 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e27234
Author(s):  
Yuqing Song ◽  
Hong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
High Quality ◽  
International Guidelines ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Mhealth Apps

Background Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic systematic inflammatory disease, require long-term treatment and management. Mobile health (mHealth) apps can deliver health services through mobile devices, facilitate long-term disease management, support patient–health care provider communication, and enable patients to engage in disease management. There are some apps targeted at patients with AS, but the feature and quality of these apps have not been systematically examined. Objective The aim of this study was to identify existing, publicly available Chinese mHealth apps for AS management and to evaluate their features and quality. Methods We systematically searched potential apps for AS management on the Apple and Huawei App Stores, using 4 search terms: ankylosing spondylitis, spondyloarthritis, rheumatic disease, and arthritis. Apps were included if they were in the Chinese language, targeted at patients with AS, could be downloaded and run on Android and/or iOS operating systems, and incorporated elements of disease management and/or patient education. We excluded apps that were not for patient use, not relevant to AS, or had not been updated since 2018. Apps that met the inclusion criteria were downloaded for final analysis. We formulated a list of app quality measures from and consistent with international guidelines for mHealth apps and AS management to evaluate the features and quality of the included app. The user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS) was also used to rate the apps’ quality. Results Of the 354 apps screened, 5 met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. All apps were free, and most apps (4/5, 80%) had a privacy policy. Of the 5 apps, 1 (20%) involved medical professionals in the development process, 2 (40%) were developed by companies, and 2 (40%) were developed by medical institutions. All apps provided educational information about AS. Around half of the apps had functions like a basic information record (ie, users can input gender, age, disease history, etc) (n=3, 60%), patient–health care provider (and patient-patient) communication (n=2, 40%), symptom tracking (n=2, 40%), and information sharing (n=3, 60%). Only 1 (20%) app provided comprehensive functions that adhered to international guidelines for AS management and mHealth apps. The overall uMARS scores ranged from 2.7 to 4.2; only 1 app, with an overall uMARS score of 4.2, was considered as a high-quality app. Conclusions Most apps lacked comprehensive functions for AS management. One high-quality app provided comprehensive functions to help patients manage their conditions. This study assessed and summarized the features and quality of the apps but did not evaluate their efficacy. Future studies should evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of these apps. International guidelines and regulations for the design, development, validation, and implementation of mHealth apps are needed in the future. Meanwhile, health care providers, patients with AS, and app developers should collaborate to develop high-quality, evidence-based apps that take into account patients’ needs and health care professionals’ perspectives.

scholarly journals Evaluating Chinese Mobile Health Apps for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management: Systematic App Search (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuqing Song ◽  
Hong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
High Quality ◽  
International Guidelines ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Mhealth Apps

BACKGROUND Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic systematic inflammatory disease, require long-term treatment and management. Mobile health (mHealth) apps can deliver health services through mobile devices, facilitate long-term disease management, support patient–health care provider communication, and enable patients to engage in disease management. There are some apps targeted at patients with AS, but the feature and quality of these apps have not been systematically examined. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify existing, publicly available Chinese mHealth apps for AS management and to evaluate their features and quality. METHODS We systematically searched potential apps for AS management on the Apple and Huawei App Stores, using 4 search terms: <i>ankylosing spondylitis</i>, <i>spondyloarthritis</i>, <i>rheumatic disease</i>, and <i>arthritis</i>. Apps were included if they were in the Chinese language, targeted at patients with AS, could be downloaded and run on Android and/or iOS operating systems, and incorporated elements of disease management and/or patient education. We excluded apps that were not for patient use, not relevant to AS, or had not been updated since 2018. Apps that met the inclusion criteria were downloaded for final analysis. We formulated a list of app quality measures from and consistent with international guidelines for mHealth apps and AS management to evaluate the features and quality of the included app. The user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS) was also used to rate the apps’ quality. RESULTS Of the 354 apps screened, 5 met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. All apps were free, and most apps (4/5, 80%) had a privacy policy. Of the 5 apps, 1 (20%) involved medical professionals in the development process, 2 (40%) were developed by companies, and 2 (40%) were developed by medical institutions. All apps provided educational information about AS. Around half of the apps had functions like a basic information record (ie, users can input gender, age, disease history, etc) (n=3, 60%), patient–health care provider (and patient-patient) communication (n=2, 40%), symptom tracking (n=2, 40%), and information sharing (n=3, 60%). Only 1 (20%) app provided comprehensive functions that adhered to international guidelines for AS management and mHealth apps. The overall uMARS scores ranged from 2.7 to 4.2; only 1 app, with an overall uMARS score of 4.2, was considered as a high-quality app. CONCLUSIONS Most apps lacked comprehensive functions for AS management. One high-quality app provided comprehensive functions to help patients manage their conditions. This study assessed and summarized the features and quality of the apps but did not evaluate their efficacy. Future studies should evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of these apps. International guidelines and regulations for the design, development, validation, and implementation of mHealth apps are needed in the future. Meanwhile, health care providers, patients with AS, and app developers should collaborate to develop high-quality, evidence-based apps that take into account patients’ needs and health care professionals’ perspectives.

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