The effects of continuous care model using a smartphone application on adherence to treatment and self-efficacy among patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background Adherence to disease-modifying therapy is important in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to increase the positive outcomes and improve the quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effects of Continuous Care Model (CCM) using a smartphone application on adherence to treatment and self-efficacy among MS patients. Methods This quasi-experimental study with pre/posttest design was conducted on 72 MS patients in Shiraz, Iran from June 2020 to August 2021. The samples were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 36) and control (n = 36) groups. In the intervention group, the CCM using a smartphone application was implemented during two months. However, no intervention was performed for the control group. The data were collected using the self-report Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Adherence Questionnaire (MS-TAQ) and MS Self-Efficacy Scale (MSSS) at baseline and two and four months after the intervention. Results The results showed an improvement in adherence to treatment and self-efficacy in the intervention group compared to the control group after implementing the virtual CCM and at the two-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusions Implementing the CCM using a smartphone application resulted in improvements in the MS patients’ adherence to treatment and self-efficacy. It can be concluded that providing care using an interactive multimedia application can improve the outcomes as well as patients’ satisfaction, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this approach is recommended to be used for nurses, healthcare providers, and clinicians.

The psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Multiple Sclerosis Self‐Management Scale‐Revised: A cross‐sectional methodological study

“…The possible total score of the scale is 11–66 23 . Another study also showed that the Persian version of this scale had acceptable validity and reliability ( α = 0.92) 24 …”

“…23 Another study also showed that the Persian version of this scale had acceptable validity and reliability (α = 0.92). 24 27 This inventory has acceptable validity and reliability. 28…”

The Quality of Life and Medication Adherence in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis—Cross-Sectional Study

“…Camara et al [ 36 ] reported that receiving information about the disease, contacting the doctor more often, and not missing check-up visits contribute to treatment adherence. Adequate care, education, and a specific program, i.e., Continuous Care Model (CCM) using a smartphone application, are the factors responsible for high adherence among patients with MS [ 38 , 39 ]. In our study, patients with a higher QOL in the RHCS domain (more satisfied with the healthcare system) adhered more to the treatment recommendation.…”

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in a military traumatic brain injury clinic: a quality improvement project assessing the integration of a smartphone application with behavioral treatment

“…Smartphone apps offer certain advantages to improve treatment adherence and treatment effectiveness by providing patients with a highly convenient way to access treatment materials and complete at-home assignments independently (Cavanagh et al, 2020). Specifically, research has found that smartphone apps have been effective in helping patients make positive behavioral changes such as adhering to specific medical treatment regimens, making healthy lifestyle choices, and increasing self-efficacy (Lunde et al, 2018;Kazemi et al, 2022). To address sleep difficulties among MHS beneficiaries, the Veteran's Affairs (VA), Stanford University, and Department of Defense (DOD) developed CBTi Coach to support patient adherence to clinical treatment by utilizing features such as a sleep diary tracker, reminders, and checklists (Koffel et al, 2018).…”