Exploring the Need for Mobile Application in Stroke Management by Informal Caregivers: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) has been considered as a prominent concept in digital health and is widely used and easily accessible. Periodic follow-up visits, previously planned procedures, and rehabilitation services for stroke survivors have been cut down during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, in this qualitative study we aimed to explore the need for a mobile application in stroke management by informal caregivers. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted from November 2020 to June 2021. Thirteen respondents were recruited from two public rehabilitation centers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. In-depth interviews were conducted. A comprehensive representation of perspectives from the respondents was achieved through purposive sampling. The interviews were conducted in the Kelantanese dialect, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by using thematic analysis. Results: Thirteen participants were involved in the interviews. All of them agreed with the need for a mobile application in stroke management. They believed the future stroke application will help them to seek information, continuous stroke home care, and help in the welfare of caregivers and stroke patients. Conclusions: The current study revealed two themes with respective subthemes that were identified, namely, self-seeking for information and reasons for using a stroke mobile application in the future. This application helps in reducing healthcare costs, enhancing the rehabilitation process, facilitating patient engagement in decision making, and the continuous monitoring of patient health.

A mixed-methods study on the implementation of a mobile health application (mHealth app) for stroke caregivers in Malaysia: healthcare providers’ perspective

“…Regarding the availability of services for caregivers, the features mentioned by the study participants were comparable to those in previously published reviews ( 17 , 18 ). However, they emphasized the need for a healthcare service directory to connect caregivers with essential assistance, such as ambulance and home care services, as well as the importance of financial support due to significant expenses related to patient wellbeing, which is consistent with the findings of a local study on stroke management mobile applications for informal caregivers ( 49 ).…”

Digital rights and mobile health in Southeast Asia: A scoping review

“… 49 Health patient empowerment through mHealth was referenced in another study, which explores the need for a smartphone app in stroke management for informal caregivers in Malaysia. 56 The authors note that the use of digital health, particularly mHealth, creates opportunities for “empowering patients in terms of self-management and caregivers’ involvement, thus improving patients’ wellbeing”. 56 In a systematic review of the role of mHealth in changing gender relations, the authors remark that increased access to mHealth “enhanced women's empowerment to make informed decisions about health care”.…”

“… 56 The authors note that the use of digital health, particularly mHealth, creates opportunities for “empowering patients in terms of self-management and caregivers’ involvement, thus improving patients’ wellbeing”. 56 In a systematic review of the role of mHealth in changing gender relations, the authors remark that increased access to mHealth “enhanced women's empowerment to make informed decisions about health care”. 57 In a discussion about advancing women's self-efficacy with mHealth, one study reviewed by the authors centered on an SMS messaging-based maternal and child health program in Vietnam.…”