Development of mHealth system for supporting self-management and remote consultation of skincare

Abstract

BackgroundIndividuals with spina bifida (SB) are vulnerable to chronic skin complications such as wounds on the buttocks and lower extremities. Most of these complications can be prevented with adherence to self-care routines. We have developed a mobile health (mHealth) system for supporting self-care and management of skin problems called SkinCare as part of an mHealth suite called iMHere (interactive Mobile Health and Rehabilitation). The objective of this research is to develop an innovative mHealth system to support self-skincare tasks, skin condition monitoring, adherence to self-care regimens, skincare consultation, and secure two-way communications between patients and clinicians.MethodsIn order to support self-skincare tasks, the SkinCare app requires three main functions: (1) self-care task schedule and reminders, (2) skin condition monitoring and communications that include imaging, information about the skin problem, and consultation with clinician, and (3) secure two-way messaging between the patient and clinician (wellness coordinator). The SkinCare system we have developed consists of the SkinCare app, a clinician portal, and a two-way communication protocol connecting the two. The SkinCare system is one component of a more comprehensive system to support a wellness program for individuals with SB.ResultsThe SkinCare app has several features that include reminders to perform daily skin checks as well as the ability to report skin breakdown and injury, which uses a combination of skin images and descriptions. The SkinCare app provides reminders to visually inspect one’s skin as a preventative measure, often termed a “skin check.” The data is sent to the portal where clinicians can monitor patients’ conditions. Using the two-way communication, clinicians can receive pictures of the skin conditions, track progress in healing over time, and provide instructions for how to best care for the wound.ConclusionsThe system was capable of supporting self-care and adherence to regimen, monitoring adherence, and supporting clinician engagement with patients, as well as testing its feasibility in a long-term implementation. The study shows the feasibility of a long-term implementation of skincare mHealth systems to support self-care and two-way interactions between patients and clinicians.

Designing a Mobile-Based Self-Care Application for Patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: An Effective Step in Patients’ Self-Care and Participation

“…The present study also considered the use of mHealth technology as a step towards disease management, patient self-care, and planning to reduce its consequences. In a study of Parmanto et al, the emphasis was on developing a mHealth system for self-care and skin problems management, supporting self-care tasks, monitoring patient status, skincare counseling, and bilateral communication between patients and physicians, which were in line with the objectives of the present study [18]. The purpose of this application was to provide educational information for self-care and CL patients' treatment follow-up that was provided to users as an Android-based application, which could be considered in line with a study by Mehdizadeh that used technology (a Teledermatology System) to facilitate communication with specialist physicians at any time and place and reduce physical transportation, and thereby increase access to skincare services for patients [19].…”

The mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ): Development and Validation Study

“…After the new usability questionnaire was ready, a usability study on mobile apps was designed using the newly developed MAUQ and two widely used usability questionnaires, PSSUQ and SUS. Each of the study participants was asked to first use two mHealth apps: one was an interactive mobile app—iMHere 2.0 [3,27,28]—and the other was a standalone mobile app—Fitbit app version 2.36 on a 10-inch 32 GB iPad Air 2 (iOS version 10.3.2).…”

Telehealth in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review

“…This modality has been piloted successfully in SCI, where the implementation of automated call programs resulted in reduction of pressure ulcers [52] and improved weight management [53]. Pilot studies also have begun to test the impact of Web‐based applications on symptom management in TBI [54,55], skin care in spina bifida [56,57], mobility in stroke [58], and multidisciplinary care in patients with chronic disability [59]. Remote monitoring also can focus on selected physiologic parameters to inform adjustments to the rehabilitation plan.…”