Mobile application for monitoring patients under home oxygen therapy: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Mobile technologies have become capable of changing the paradigm of healthcare services. A clear example is that, nowadays, these technologies are an important instrument for data collection processes, epidemiologic surveillance, health promotion and disease prevention. Therefore, technological tools should be exploited to optimize the monitoring of patients with chronic diseases, including patients who require home oxygen therapy. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of a mobile application in the clinical monitoring of patients under home oxygen therapy. Methods This is a randomized controlled trial includes subjects of 18 years or older diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who are under home oxygen therapy. Subjects will be divided into two arms: the intervention group will include patients who will be monitored with a mobile application, and the control group will include patients monitored by conventional follow-up methods (periodic visits of a respiratory therapist). The following outcome variables will be considered to measure the effect of the intervention: identification of dyspnea self-management, number of acute exacerbations associated with oxygen therapy, and the occurrence of oxygen supply underuse. Discussion This study is expected to assess the efficacy of a mobile application in the follow up of patients under home oxygen therapy. It will also determine whether the monitoring of a six-month intervention by a team comprising a physician, a nurse and respiratory therapists can decrease acute exacerbations, determine the most appropriate oxygen dose, and identify the underuse of oxygen systems and supplies. Trial registration The study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04820790; date of registration: March 29, 2021)

Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals' needs when designing the content of a mobile application for the clinical monitoring of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and home oxygen therapy: A user-centered design

“…This study is part of a project for a randomized, non-pharmacological clinical trial ( Naranjo-Rojas et al, 2021 ), to assess the efficacy of a mobile app in the clinical monitoring of patients under home oxygen therapy (the study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT04820790 ). The mobile app will have different user profiles: one for healthcare professionals and the other one for patients and caregivers.…”

“…It is worth mentioning that, according to the World Health Organization, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third cause of death worldwide and has become a public health concern ( Caballero et al, 2008 ; Naranjo-Rojas et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Regarding the increase in home oxygen therapy prescription during the initial phases of treatment, it has been reported that approximately 3176 patients have been enrolled in home care programs. However, the data has not been updated based on new epidemiological studies ( Naranjo-Rojas et al, 2021 ).…”

Evaluation of m‐Health‐rehabilitation for respiratory disorders: A systematic review

“… 12 , 14 m‐Health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “the function of medical and public health supported by mobile devices such as cell phones, patient monitoring devices, personal digital assistants and other wireless devices.” 15 Today, the use of smartphones has increased, and m‐Health uses smartphones as a complement to medical health care because some of its benefits extend beyond specific barriers to clinical health care. 16 , 17 m‐Health apps offer new opportunities for access to health care, learning, self‐management, and communication. 18 , 19 Based m‐Health apps enhance self‐management outcomes by providing support (e.g., information, education, and reminders) to patients.…”

“…15 Today, the use of smartphones has increased, and m-Health uses smartphones as a complement to medical health care because some of its benefits extend beyond specific barriers to clinical health care. 16,17 m-Health apps offer new opportunities for access to health care, learning, selfmanagement, and communication. 18,19 Based m-Health apps enhance self-management outcomes by providing support (e.g., information, education, and reminders) to patients.…”