“We're Taking Something So Human and Trying to Digitize”: Provider Recommendations for mHealth in Palliative Care

Abstract

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) is a promising tool for improving health outcomes. However, the benefits of using mHealth in palliative care are under studied. Objective: As a first step to designing meaningful palliative care-specific mobile applications, this research explored provider perspectives regarding the utility of mHealth in palliative care. Design: A qualitative phenomenological study with semistructured interviews. Setting/Subjects: Providers from multiple disciplines working in palliative care settings at an academic medical center. Results: Thematic analysis resulted in five provider recommendations regarding the utility and design of palliative care-specific mHealth, including (i) thoughtfulness to language, context, and delivery when assessing palliative care needs; (ii) include tools for prognosis and advance care planning; (iii) tailor health and qualityof-life goals; (iv) emphasize supports for family and caregivers; and (v) consider technology abilities of older adults. Conclusions: Palliative care providers are enthusiastic about the use of mHealth to improve care coordination, facilitate communication, enhance symptom monitoring, and improve patient-family support. However, providers have reservations about mobile functionality and depersonalized assessment and care. Providers stress the utility of mHealth to facilitate palliative care rather than replace important multidisciplinary services.

Older adults’ experiences with using information and communication technology and tech support services in New York City: findings and recommendations for post-pandemic digital pedagogy for older adults

“…The finding that some people find ICT adoption out of reach due to their health is further supported by our unsuccessful attempt to reach clients from the organization’s palliative care program. While a 2016 systematic review of ICT usage in palliative care pointed to the potential of ICT in aiding decision-making, the particular research field is small ( Ostherr et al, 2016 ), with a sharp focus on ICT adoption from care providers’ perspectives than patients’ ( Portz et al, 2020 ; Mills et al, 2021 ). Echoing many others, this research calls for more future research to continue exploring questions pertinent to adoption patterns among older palliative care patients.…”

Steigerung der Versorgungsqualität in der Palliativversorgung durch elektronische Gesundheitsakten

“…Im Rahmen eines Reviews wurde festgestellt, dass 48% (n=15) der Apps aus dem Bereich PC sich auf das Management von Symptomen konzentrieren. Neben der generellen Erfassung von Symptomen beziehen sich viele Apps auf die Schmerzerfassung für verschiedene Zielgruppen, wie etwa Patient*innen mit Krebserkrankung, Herzinsuffizienz oder COPD sowie unter der Einnahme oraler Onkologika (Portz et al 2020). Die Daten aus derartigen Apps ermöglichen ein verbessertes Management der Erkrankung durch das Erkennen möglicher Zusammenhänge zwischen Aktivitäten und Symptomen oder weiteren Variablen (Slev et al 2017).…”

“I Like the Idea of It…But Probably Wouldn’t Use It” - Health Care Provider Perspectives on Heart Failure mHealth: Qualitative Study

“…This short paper describes preliminary findings from an ongoing larger mixed-methods research study [ 14 ] designed to develop an evidence-based HF mHealth intervention in partnership with all health care stakeholders (ie, patients, caregivers, and providers). The objective of this paper is to illustrate providers’ specific perceived value of HF mHealth, particularly when pairing patient- and caregiver-generated data with meaningful, timely, and effective clinical intervention.…”