scholarly journals Association Between User Engagement of a Mobile Health App for Gout and Improvements in Self-Care Behaviors: Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/15021 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e15021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Serlachius ◽  
Kiralee Schache ◽  
Anel Kieser ◽  
Bruce Arroll ◽  
Keith Petrie ◽  
...  

Background Mobile health (mHealth) apps represent a promising approach for improving health outcomes in patients with chronic illness, but surprisingly few mHealth interventions have investigated the association between user engagement and health outcomes. We aimed to examine the efficacy of a recommended, commercially available gout self-management app for improving self-care behaviors and to assess self-reported user engagement of the app in a sample of adults with gout. Objective Our objective was to examine differences in self-reported user engagement between a recommended gout app (treatment group) and a dietary app (active control group) over 2 weeks as well as to examine any differences in self-care behaviors and illness perceptions. Methods Seventy-two adults with gout were recruited from the community and three primary and secondary clinics. Participants were randomized to use either Gout Central (n=36), a self-management app, or the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet Plan (n=36), an app based on a diet developed for hypertension, for 2 weeks. The user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS, scale: 1 to 5) was used after the 2 weeks to assess self-reported user engagement, which included an open-ended question. Participants also completed a self-report questionnaire on self-care behaviors (scale: 1-5 for medication adherence and diet and 0-7 for exercise) and illness perceptions (scale: 0-10) at baseline and after the 2-week trial. Independent samples t tests and analysis of covariance were used to examine differences between groups at baseline and postintervention. Results Participants rated the gout app as more engaging (mean difference –0.58, 95% CI –0.96 to –0.21) and more informative (mean difference –0.34, 95% CI –0.67 to –0.01) than the dietary app at the 2-week follow-up. The gout app group also reported a higher awareness of the importance of gout (mean difference –0.64, 95% CI –1.27 to –0.003) and higher knowledge/understanding of gout (mean difference –0.70, 95% CI –1.30 to –0.09) than the diet app group at follow-up. There were no significant differences in self-care behaviors between the two groups postintervention. The gout app group also demonstrated stronger negative beliefs regarding the impact of gout (mean difference –2.43, 95% CI –3.68 to –1.18), stronger beliefs regarding the severity of symptoms (mean difference –1.97, 95% CI –3.12 to –0.82), and a stronger emotional response to gout (mean difference –2.38, 95% CI –3.85 to –0.90) at follow-up. Participant feedback highlighted the importance of tracking health-related information, customizing to the target group/individual, providing more interactive features, and simplifying information. Conclusions Participants found the commercially available gout app more engaging. However, these findings did not translate into differences in self-care behaviors. The gout app group also demonstrated stronger negative illness perceptions at the follow-up. Overall, these findings suggest that the development of gout apps would benefit from a user-centered approach with a focus on daily, long-term self-care behaviors as well as modifying illness beliefs. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617001052325; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373217.

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 540-548
Author(s):  
Anisha Mary Abraham ◽  
Paulomi M Sudhir ◽  
Mariamma Philip ◽  
Ganapathi Bantwal

Background: Diabetes mellitus places a considerable burden on the individual and the family with respect to lifestyle changes. There is a paucity of systematic studies in India examining the efficacy of self-management programs for diabetes. The study examined the impact of a brief self-management intervention (SMI) on primary outcome of HbA1c and secondary outcomes of quality of life (QOL), self-care, perceived barriers to self-care (BSC), perceptions regarding illness and mood in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods and materials: Eighty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly allocated to either a 4-session SMI or treatment as usual (TAU) and were assessed on HbA1c levels, QOL, self-care, BSC, illness perceptions, anxiety, and depression at baseline, postintervention , and at three-month postintervention follow-up. Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated significant improvement in the SMI group from baseline to follow-up on HbA1c (P = 0.001), impact of diabetes on QOL (P = 0.006), self-care with respect to diet and exercise (Ps = 0.001), perceived barriers in adherence to diet, exercise, (P = 0.001), medication (P < 0.01), glucose testing (P = 0.04), general BSC (P = 0.001), total barriers (P = 0.001), illness perceptions-timeline or chronicity of illness (P = 0.002), personal control over illness, (P = 0.001), belief in effectiveness of treatment (P = 0.002), understanding of one’s illness (P = 0.001), and emotional representations regarding illness (P =0.001), depression, (P = 0.001), and anxiety (P = 0.001). In the SMI group, large effect sizes were obtained at the postintervention assessment and the three-month follow-up on most outcome measures. Conclusions: Brief psychological intervention is efficacious in patients with type 2 diabetes.


Author(s):  
Matthew Plow ◽  
Robert W Motl ◽  
Marcia Finlayson ◽  
Francois Bethoux

Abstract Background People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience fatigue, which is aggravated by inactivity. Identifying mediators of changes in physical activity (PA) and fatigue self-management (FSM) behaviors could optimize future interventions that reduce the impact of MS fatigue. Purpose To examine the effects of telephone-delivered interventions on Social Cognitive Theory constructs and test whether these constructs mediated secondary outcomes of PA and FSM behaviors. Methods Participants with MS (n = 208; Mean age = 52.1; Female = 84.6%) were randomized into contact–control intervention (CC), PA-only intervention, and PA+FSM intervention. Step count (Actigraphy) and FSM behaviors as well as self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and goal setting for PA and FSM were measured at baseline, post-test (12 weeks), and follow-up (24 weeks). Path analyses using bias-corrected bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals (CI) determined whether constructs at post-test mediated behaviors at follow-up when adjusting for baseline measures. Results Path analysis indicated that PA-only (β = 0.50, p < .001) and PA+FSM interventions (β = 0.42, p < .010) had an effect on goal setting for PA, and that PA + FSM intervention had an effect on self-efficacy for FSM (β = 0.48, p = .011) and outcome expectations for FSM (β = 0.42, p = .029). Goal setting for PA at post-test mediated the effects of PA-only (β = 159.45, CI = 5.399, 371.996) and PA + FSM interventions (β = 133.17, CI = 3.104, 355.349) on step count at follow-up. Outcome expectations for FSM at post-test mediated the effects of PA + FSM intervention on FSM behaviors at follow-up (β = 0.02, CI = 0.001, 0.058). Conclusions Goal setting for PA and outcome expectations for FSM may be important constructs to target in telephone-delivered interventions designed to reduce the impact of MS fatigue. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01572714)


Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Connett ◽  
Colin Beevor ◽  
Sam Ward ◽  
Ernest Wong ◽  
Lindsey Cherry

Abstract Background Rheumatic foot health challenges can be multiple and wide-ranging, leading to reduced mobility or quality of life. However, the provision of foot health services is disparate. There is a need to innovate new approaches to personalised foot health care outside of traditional clinical models of service delivery. A new healthcare model was co-designed by patients, academics and clinicians from secondary and primary care Trusts, to support self-management. Part of this model included the development of ‘best foot forward’ workshops. There is a need to: minimise the impact of the demonstrated gap between what service users need or want and what services are providing; reduce waiting times; empower self-management; improve MDT availability for those in need; reduce the number of appointments needed to get resolution; reduce service costs; maintain patient satisfaction. Methods The team co-designed a series of foot health workshops, at 8-week intervals. The novel workshop design extended beyond a traditional patient education session and consisted of: 1. an education session about anatomy and physiology for the lower limb, 2. social networking time, 3. a themed education session, 4. opportunity for group discussion, 5. opportunity for individual question and answer with a health professional, 6. Access to direct request for follow-up appointment. Electronic invitations were sent to all patients registered within a single rheumatology department enrolled on the electronic notification system. Posters advertising the workshops were displayed in waiting areas. After three workshops data regarding patient attendance, satisfaction, and health service use up to four weeks after the workshop was collected. Results Nineteen, 22 and 30 patients attended the workshops respectively. Seven people attended multiple workshops. All patients reported having an unmet foot health need and would have otherwise sought a clinical appointment. Allowing for session preparation time (approx. 3 hours per session) 20 hours of clinical time was saved; the clinical waiting list was reduced by 12 sessions (6 weeks). Three patients (4%) requested one follow-up clinical appointment immediately after the workshop. No patients requested additional appointments in the four weeks after each workshop; enabling patient led review saved 71 further appointments. Patients reported content, venue and satisfactions scores of 9.6, 8.7 and 9.6/10 respectively. Conclusion Further research is needed to confirm that patients’ needs are being fully met, in addition to enabling supported self-management and improving clinical outcomes. There is potential for these workshops to be co-ordinated and facilitated by expert patient partners. The role of group interaction as a therapeutic mechanism to aid supported self-management is worthy of further study. Best foot forward workshops could represent a viable supported self-management alternative to traditional clinical models for people with rheumatic conditions. Disclosures S. Connett None. C. Beevor None. S. Ward None. E. Wong None. L. Cherry None.


2000 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. K. J. CRAIG ◽  
S. HODSON

Background. While there is considerable evidence of a high prevalence of psychiatric disorder among homeless youth, much less is known about its long-term course or the impact it may have on accommodation outcomes.Method. A random sample of 161 homeless people 16–21 years of age were recruited from consecutive attendees at two of London's largest facilities for homeless young people. These young people were traced and re-interviewed a year later to examine accommodation, occupation and health outcomes.Results. A total of 107 (67%) people were successfully re-interviewed. Psychiatric disorder was identified in 55% at follow up. Two thirds of those with a psychiatric disorder at index interview remained symptomatic at follow-up. Persistence of psychiatric disorder was associated with adverse childhood experiences and rough sleeping. Satisfactory accommodation outcomes were achieved by 45 subjects (42%). Better accommodation outcomes were associated with three variables measured at the index assessment: ethnic minority status; educational achievement; and, the presence of accommodation plans negotiated through a resettlement agency. While psychiatric disorder at index interview was not associated with accommodation outcome, persistent substance use in the follow-up year was associated with poor accommodation outcome. Over half of the young people had been involved in petty crime and just under a third had been convicted for more serious criminal activity. Offending and antisocial behaviour in the follow-up year were related to a history of conduct disorder, persistent substance abuse and poor accommodation outcomes.Conclusions. Young homeless people are characterized by multiple social and medical needs. Successful resettlement of this population may depend upon integrated services that address problems of persisting substance use and mental illness as well as the immediate housing need.


2001 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 261-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelley Anne Diamond ◽  
Kenneth Ross Chapman

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a nationally coordinated pharmacy-based educational intervention on self-management behaviour and markers of asthma control in self-referred patients with asthma.DESIGN: An asthma clinic day was set up by a national chain of community pharmacies whereby pharmacists used a structured questionnaire to assess asthma control and self-care among self-referred patients with doctor-diagnosed asthma. In a one-on-one counselling session, each patient's educational needs were identified and the appropriate education offered. A telephone follow-up 30 days later assessed the impact of teaching.SETTING: Community pharmacies across Canada.OUTCOME MEASURES: The follow-up questionnaire quantified the number of wheezing episodes or other symptoms per week, the number of night-time awakenings per week, and the frequency of use of reliever and preventive medications.RESULTS: Of 4080 patients assessed, 22.2% used an inadequate inhaler technique, 16.4% used a short acting beta2-agonist excessively and 21.0% were not using an inhaled corticosteroid daily despite a frequency of symptoms that would suggest that it was needed. Common educational interventions included a review of inhaler technique (41.9%), a recommendation for regular inhaled corticosteroids (31.5%) and a referral to the primary care physician (21.0%). Thirty days after the educational intervention, patients reported significant decreases in the frequency of daytime asthma symptoms, the frequency of nocturnal symptoms and the frequency with which short acting beta2-agonists were used, while reporting significant increases in their use of preventive medication.CONCLUSIONS: A brief assessment and an educational intervention in the community pharmacy can produce significant short term improvements in patient-reported symptom control and appropriate self-management behaviour.


JMIR Diabetes ◽  
10.2196/25295 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e25295
Author(s):  
Folasade Wilson-Anumudu ◽  
Ryan Quan ◽  
Cynthia Castro Sweet ◽  
Christian Cerrada ◽  
Jessie Juusola ◽  
...  

Background Translation of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) into a digital format can improve access, but few digital programs have demonstrated outcomes using rigorous evaluation metrics. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a digital DSMES program on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) for people with type 2 diabetes. Methods A single-arm, nonrandomized trial was performed to evaluate a digital DSMES program that includes remote monitoring and lifestyle change, in addition to comprehensive diabetes education staffed by a diabetes specialist. A sample of 195 participants were recruited using an online research platform (Achievement Studies, Evidation Health Inc). The primary outcome was change in laboratory-tested HbA1c from baseline to 4 months, and secondary outcomes included change in lipids, diabetes distress, and medication adherence. Results At baseline, participants had a mean HbA1c of 8.9% (SD 1.9) and mean BMI of 37.5 kg/m2 (SD 8.3). The average age was 45.1 years (SD 8.9), 70% were women, and 67% were White. At 4-month follow up, the HbA1c decreased by 0.8% (P<.001, 95% CI –1.1 to –0.5) for the total population and decreased by 1.4% (P<.001, 95% CI –1.8 to –0.9) for those with an HbA1c of >9.0% at baseline. Diabetes distress and medication adherence were also significantly improved between baseline and follow up. Conclusions This study provides early evidence that a digitally enhanced DSMES program improves HbA1c and disease self-management outcomes.


JMIR Aging ◽  
10.2196/13513 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e13513
Author(s):  
Marcia Johansson ◽  
Ponrathi Athilingam

Background Presently, 6.5 million Americans are living with heart failure (HF). These patients are expected to follow a complex self-management regimen at home. Several demographic and psychosocial factors limit patients with HF in following the prescribed self-management recommendations at home. Poor self-care is associated with increased hospital re-admissions. Under the Affordable Care Act, there are financial implications related to hospital re-admissions for hospitals and programs such as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Pinellas County, Florida. Previous studies and systematic reviews demonstrated improvement in self-management and quality of life (QoL) in patients with HF with structured telephone support (STS) and short message service text messaging (SMS). Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of STS and SMS on self-care, knowledge, medication adherence, and QoL of patients with HF. Methods A prospective quality improvement project using a pre-post design was implemented. Data were collected at baseline, 30 days, and 3 months from 51 patients with HF who were enrolled in PACE in Pinellas County, Florida. All participants received STS and SMS for 30 days. The feasibility and sustained benefit of using STS and SMS was assessed at a 3-month follow-up. Results A paired t test was used to compare the mean difference in HF outcomes at the baseline and 30-day follow-up, which demonstrated improved HF self-care maintenance (t49=0.66; P=.01), HF knowledge (t49=0.71; P=.01), medication adherence (t49=0.92; P=.01), and physical and mental health measured using Short-Form-12 (SF-12; t49=0.81; P=.01). The results also demonstrated the sustained benefit with improved HF self-care maintenance, self-care management, self-care confidence, knowledge, medication adherence, and physical and mental health (SF-12) at 3 months with P<.05 for all outcomes. Living status and social support had a strong correlation with HF outcomes. Younger participants (aged less than 65 years) performed extremely well compared with older adults. Conclusions STS and SMS were feasible to use among PACE participants with sustained benefits at 3 months. Implementing STS and SMS may serve as viable options to improve HF outcomes. Improving outcomes with HF affects hospital systems and the agencies that monitor and provide care for outpatients and those in independent or assisted-living facilities. Investigating viable options and support for implementation will improve outcomes.


10.2196/23414 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e23414
Author(s):  
Akshat Kapoor ◽  
Priya Nambisan

Background Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women, accounting for 23% of all cancer survivors nationally. Yet, the availability of adequate resources and tools for supporting breast cancer survivors has not kept up with the rapid advancement in treatment options, resulting in unmet supportive care needs, particularly among low-income and minority populations. This study explores an alternative means of delivering breast cancer survivorship care plans (SCPs), with the aim of improving survivor morbidity, patient knowledge, and self-management of treatment-related symptoms, as well as addressing inconsistencies in follow-up care visits. Objective The overall goal of this study is to improve the uptake of SCP recommendations via an educational intervention for breast cancer survivors, to improve treatment-related morbidity, patient knowledge, self-management, and adherence to follow-up visits. The specific aims of the study are to (1) evaluate the feasibility of the online SCP, and (2) assess the impact of the online SCP on survivorship outcomes. Methods We will enroll 50 breast cancer survivors who have completed initial breast cancer treatment into a 2-armed, randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot trial, and collect data at baseline and 6 months. For the first aim, we will use mixed methods, including surveys and personal interviews among the intervention group, to determine the feasibility of providing an online, interactive SCP (called ACESO) based on the survivors’ online user experience and their short-term adoption. For the secondary aim, we will compare the 2 groups to assess the primary outcomes of survivor knowledge, self-efficacy for self-management, perceived peer support, and adherence to SCP-recommended posttreatment follow-up visits to oncology and primary care; and the secondary outcomes of treatment-related morbidity (body weight, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sexual function, distress, and sleep quality). We assess these outcomes by using measurements from validated instruments with robust psychometric properties. Results We have developed and refined the online breast cancer survivorship plan, ACESO, with consultation from breast cancer oncologists, nurses, and survivors. Approval for the study protocol has been obtained from the Institutional Review Board. An advisory board has also been established to provide oversight and recommendations on the conduct of the study. The study will be completed over a period of 2 years. Conclusions The results of this pilot study will inform the feasibility and design of a larger-scale pragmatic trial to evaluate the impact of an online breast cancer SCP on treatment-related morbidity and self-efficacy for self-management. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/23414


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zenong Yin ◽  
Janna Lesser ◽  
Kristi A Paiva ◽  
Jose Zapata Jr ◽  
Andrea Moreno-Vasquez ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Access to diabetes education and resources for diabetes self-management is limited in rural communities, despite higher rates of diabetes in rural populations compared with urban populations. Technology and mobile health (mHealth) interventions can reduce barriers and improve access to diabetes education in rural communities. Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) and financial incentives can be used with mHealth interventions to increase the uptake of diabetes education; however, studies have not examined their combined use for diabetes self-management in rural settings. OBJECTIVE This two-phase Stage 1 feasibility study aimed to use a mixed methods design to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an mHealth diabetes education program combining SBIRT and financial incentives to engage rural individuals. METHODS In Phase 1, we aimed to develop, adapt, and refine the intervention protocol. In Phase 2, a 3-month quasi-experimental study was conducted with individuals from 2 rural communities in South Texas. Study participants were individuals who attended free diabetes screening events in their community. Those with low or medium risk received health education material, whereas those with high risk or those with a previous diagnosis of diabetes participated in motivational interviewing and enrolled in the 6-week mHealth Diabetes Self-Management Education Program under either an unconditional or aversion incentive contract. The participants returned for a 3-month follow-up. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention were determined by the rate of participant recruitment and retention, the fidelity of program delivery and compliance, and the participant’s satisfaction with the intervention program. RESULTS Of the 98 screened rural community members in South Texas, 72 individuals met the study eligibility and 62 individuals agreed to enroll in the study. The sample was predominately female and Hispanic, with an average age of 52.6 years. The feedback from study participants indicated high levels of satisfaction with the mHealth diabetes education program. In the poststudy survey, the participants reported high levels of confidence to continue lifestyle modifications, that is, weight loss, physical activity, and diet. The retention rate was 50% at the 3-month follow-up. Participation in the intervention was high at the beginning and dissipated in the later weeks regardless of the incentive contract type. Positive changes were observed in weight (mean -2.64, SD 6.01; <i>P</i>&lt;.05) and glycemic control index (-.30; <i>P</i>&lt;.05) in all participants from baseline to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The finding showed strong feasibility and acceptability of study recruitment and enrollment. The participants’ participation and retention were reasonable given the unforeseen events that impacted the study communities during the study period. Combining mHealth with SBIRT has the potential to reach individuals with need to participate in diabetes education in rural communities.


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