Development and real-life use assessment of a self-management smartphone application for patients with inflammatory arthritis. A user-centred step-by-step approach

Abstract

Background Mobile health applications (apps) are increasing in interest to enhance patient self-management. Few apps are actually used by patients and have been developed for patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs which use entails risk of adverse effects such as infections. Objective To develop Hiboot, a self-management mobile app for patients with IA, by using a user-centred step-by-step approach and assess its real-life use. Methods The app development included first a qualitative study with semi-guided audiotaped interviews of 21 patients to identify the impact of IA on daily life and patient treatments practices and an online cross-sectional survey of 344 patients to assess their health apps use in general and potential user needs. A multidisciplinary team developed the first version of the app via five face-to-face meetings. After app launch, a second qualitative study of 21 patients and a users’ test of 13 patients and 3 rheumatologists led to the app’s current version. The number of app installations, current users and comments were collected from the Google Play store and the Apple store. Results The qualitative study revealed needs for counselling, patient–health professional partnership, and skills to cope with risk situations; 86.8% participants would be ready to use an app primarily on their rheumatologist’s recommendation. Six functionalities were implemented: a safety checklist before treatment administration, aids in daily life situations based on the French academic recommendations, treatment reminders, global well-being self-assessment, periodic counselling messages, and a diary. The Hiboot app was installed 20,500 times from September 2017 to October 2020, with 4300 regular current users. Scores were 4.4/5 stars at Android and iOS stores. Conclusion Hiboot is a free self-management app for patients with IA developed by a step-by-step process including patients and health professionals. Further evaluation of the Hiboot benefit is needed.

Role of technology-based innovation in chronic disease management in rheumatology

“…Numerous articles are available to improve the understanding of the disease, providing detailed explanations and medication advice for potentially risky events, such as an injury, an upcoming dental appointment or forgotten medication. 9 These resources offer clear, practical information to help patients make informed decisions and manage their health effectively in specific situations.…”

Kontrol Edukasi Video Visual Smartphone Berbasis Selfcare terhadap Kecemasan dan Tekanan Darah Pasien Endoskopi dengan Pelayanan Anestesiologi

“…Penelitian lain menjelaskan bahwa edukasi menggunakan pesan teks melalui smartphone dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan ibu dan mengurangi kecemasan pada anak yang mau dilakukan tindakan tonsillectomy dan hal ini bisa dipakai untuk banyak tindakan operasi lainnya (Tarp et al, 2022). Aplikasi smartphone juga telah dibuat untuk komunikasi dan monitoring pada pasien yang dilakukan operasi flapping oleh dokter bedah plastik (Beauvais et al, 2022).…”