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

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

Authors :
Neumann A
Steiner B
Verket M
Kanna NDD
Hill L
McNulty A
Boyne JJJ
Murphy M
Maaser Y
Fitzsimons D
Barrett M
Ski CF
Schütt K
Helms TM
Brunner-La Rocca HP
Zippel-Schultz B
Source :
Digital health [Digit Health] 2024 Nov 20; Vol. 10, pp. 20552076241299649. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Nov 20 (Print Publication: 2024).
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

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).<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.<br /> (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2055-2076
Volume :
10
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Digital health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
39569394
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076241299649