Developing a Heart Transplantation Self-Management Support Mobile Health App in Taiwan: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

Abstract

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Heart transplantation (HTx) is the most effective treatment for end-stage heart failure patients. After transplantation, patients face physiological, psychological, social, and other healthcare problems. Mobile health applications can change the delivery of conventional healthcare to ubiquitous care and improve healthcare quality. However, a dearth of m-health Apps exists for patients with HTx worldwide and in Taiwan.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> <p>The aim of this study was to investigate the information needed and develop a preliminary framework of m-health App for the post-HTx patients.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> <p>The qualitative approach with individual in-depth interviews were conducted at a heart center in the regional hospital in northern Taiwan, from June to November 2017. Patients with HTx and their health professionals were recruited for purposeful sampling. The semi-structured interview guideline was used for individual interviews and transcribed. The thematic analysis was used for data analysis. </p> </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> <p>A total of 21 subjects included 17 patients and four health professionals. 5 major themes included: reminding, querying, experience sharing, diet, and expert consulting were identified. Minor themes included a desire to use the App with artificial intelligence and integration with professional management.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> <p>An intelligent mobile health application that addresses the 5 main themes and integrates the processes of using a mobile App could facilitate HTx self-management for Taiwanese patients.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> <p /> </sec>