scholarly journals Evaluation of a Mobile Phone App for Patients With Pollen-Related Allergic Rhinitis: Prospective Longitudinal Field Study

10.2196/15514 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e15514
Author(s):  
Manuela Glattacker ◽  
Martin Boeker ◽  
Robin Anger ◽  
Frank Reichenbach ◽  
Adrian Tassoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Background Mobile health apps have great potential to support the self-management of chronic conditions such as allergic diseases, which constitute significant challenges in health care. However, the health app market is confusing for users, as it is vast, dynamic, and lacks scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of the apps on offer. To our knowledge, no health app for pollen-related allergic rhinitis has been evaluated. Objective The aim of our study was to evaluate the Husteblume mobile phone health app, developed in Germany to facilitate the self-management of pollen-related allergic rhinitis. Methods We evaluated usability and changes in quality of life, health literacy, and self-efficacy for managing one’s chronic disease. We conducted 2 online surveys of registered users of the app, 1 before and 1 after the 2017 pollen season, allowing for the analysis of both cross-sectional and longitudinal data in a field setting. Results The sample comprised 661 app users at the first measurement point and 143 users at follow-up. The subgroup of study participants at follow-up rated the usability of the app as good or very good. There were no significant changes in patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life, health literacy, and self-efficacy between the 2 measurement points (P>.05). However, those reached at follow-up perceived subjective improvements due to the app: 55.9% (80/143) reported being subjectively better informed about their allergy, 27.3% (39/143) noted improved quality of life, 33.6% (48/143) reported subjectively better coping with their allergy, and 28.0% (40/143) felt better prepared for the consultation with their physician. Finally, 90.9% (130/143) users did not identify any adverse effects of the app. Conclusions Despite some methodological caveats, the results of the evaluation of the Husteblume app are encouraging for the subgroup using the app in the long term. However, further studies evaluating the effectiveness of the app are needed. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00011897; https://tinyurl.com/yxxrg9av

scholarly journals A Smartphone App for Self-Management of Heart Failure in Older African Americans: Feasibility and Usability Study

JMIR Aging ◽  
10.2196/17142 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e17142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue P Heiney ◽  
Sara B Donevant ◽  
Swann Arp Adams ◽  
Pearman D Parker ◽  
Hongtu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
African American ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Self Care ◽  
The Self ◽  
Maintenance Management ◽  
Self Management

Background Mobile health (mHealth) apps are dramatically changing how patients and providers manage and monitor chronic health conditions, especially in the area of self-monitoring. African Americans have higher mortality rates from heart failure than other racial groups in the United States. Therefore, self-management of heart failure may improve health outcomes for African American patients. Objective The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility of using an mHealth app, and explore the outcomes of quality of life, including self-care maintenance, management, and confidence, among African American patients managing their condition after discharge with a diagnosis of heart failure. Methods Prior to development of the app, we conducted qualitative interviews with 7 African American patients diagnosed with heart failure, 3 African American patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, and 6 health care providers (cardiologists, nurse practitioners, and a geriatrician) who worked with heart failure patients. In addition, we asked 6 hospital chaplains to provide positive spiritual messages for the patients, since spirituality is an important coping method for many African Americans. These formative data were then used for creating a prototype of the app, named Healthy Heart. Specifically, the Healthy Heart app incorporated the following evidence-based features to promote self-management: one-way messages, journaling (ie, weight and symptoms), graphical display of data, and customized feedback (ie, clinical decision support) based on daily or weekly weight. The educational messages about heart failure self-management were derived from the teaching materials provided to the patients diagnosed with heart failure, and included information on diet, sleep, stress, and medication adherence. The information was condensed and simplified to be appropriate for text messages and to meet health literacy standards. Other messages were derived from interviews conducted during the formative stage of app development, including interviews with African American chaplains. Usability testing was conducted over a series of meetings between nurses, social workers, and computer engineers. A pilot one-group pretest-posttest design was employed with participants using the mHealth app for 4 weeks. Descriptive statistics were computed for each of the demographic variables, overall and subscales for Health Related Quality of Life Scale 14 (HQOL14) and subscales for the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) Version 6 using frequencies for categorical measures and means with standard deviations for continuous measures. Baseline and postintervention comparisons were computed using the Fisher exact test for overall health and paired t tests for HQOL14 and SCHFI questionnaire subscales. Results A total of 12 African American participants (7 men, 5 women; aged 51-69 years) diagnosed with heart failure were recruited for the study. There was no significant increase in quality of life (P=.15), but clinically relevant changes in self-care maintenance, management, and confidence were observed. Conclusions An mHealth app to assist with the self-management of heart failure is feasible in patients with low literacy, low health literacy, and limited smartphone experience. Based on the clinically relevant changes observed in this feasibility study of the Healthy Heart app, further research should explore effectiveness in this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals Users’ Experiences of a Mobile Health Self-Management Approach for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Floch ◽  
Thomas Vilarinho ◽  
Annabel Zettl ◽  
Gema Ibanez-Sanchez ◽  
Joaquim Calvo-Lerma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Approach

BACKGROUND Despite a large number of clinical trials aiming at evaluating the digital self-management of chronic diseases, there is little discussion about users’ experiences with digital approaches. However, a good user experience is a critical factor for technology adoption. Understanding users’ experiences can inform the design of approaches toward increased motivation for digital self-management. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the self-management of cystic fibrosis (CF) with a focus on gastrointestinal concerns and the care of young patients. Following a user-centered design approach, we developed a self-management app for patients and parents and a web tool for health care professionals (HCPs). To evaluate the proposed solutions, a 6-month clinical trial was conducted in 6 European CF competence centers. This paper analyzes the user acceptance of the technology and the benefits and disadvantages perceived by the trial participants. METHODS A mixed methods approach was applied. Data were collected through 41 semistructured qualitative interviews of patients, parents, and HCPs involved in the clinical trial. In addition, data were collected through questionnaires embedded in the self-management app. RESULTS Support for enzyme dose calculation and nutrition management was found to be particularly useful. Patients and parents rapidly strengthened their knowledge about the treatment and increased their self-efficacy. Reported benefits include reduced occurrence of symptoms and enhanced quality of life. Patients and parents had different skills, requiring follow-up by HCPs in an introductory phase. HCPs valued obtaining precise information about the patients, allowing for more personalized advice. However, the tight follow-up of several patients led to an increased workload. Over time, as patient self-efficacy increased, patient motivation for using the app decreased and the quality of the reported data was reduced. CONCLUSIONS Self-management enfolds a collaboration between patients and HCPs. To be successful, a self-management approach should be accepted by both parties. Through understanding behaviors and experiences, this study defines recommendations for a complex case—the demanding treatment of CF. We identify target patient groups and situations for which the app is most beneficial and suggest focusing on these rather than motivating for regular app usage over a long time. We also advise the personalized supervision of patients during the introduction of the approach. Finally, we propose to develop guidance for HCPs to facilitate changes in practice. As personalization and technology literacy are factors found to influence the acceptance of digital self-management of other chronic diseases, it is relevant to consider the proposed recommendations beyond the case of CF.

Six-Month Data From a Pilot Self-Management Intervention ForAdolescents With Sickle Cell Disease

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 1675-1675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori E Crosby ◽  
Naomi Joffe ◽  
Karen Kalinyak ◽  
Alex Bruck ◽  
Clinton H Joiner
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Management Behaviors

Abstract Background Tanabe and colleagues (2010) highlighted the importance of engaging patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in disease self-management activities to improve health outcomes. Specifically, they recommended interventions that address disease self-efficacy, patient-provider communication, healthy lifestyle behaviors, future planning, and advocacy. The Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a six-week, structured intervention for adults with a chronic disease that helps them develop self-management skills in all of these areas. The CDSMP has been implemented with adults with a variety of chronic diseases (e.g., arthritis, Type II diabetes), and outcome data has shown improvements in health utilization, health status and self-management behaviors for participants six-months post participation in the CDSMP (Lorig et al. 2001). There is limited data available on the effectiveness of the CDSMP for adults with SCD, particularly young adults and adolescents. As a first step in examining the effectiveness of the CDSMP in adolescents with SCD, we conducted two CDSMP intervention groups with SCD patients 16-24 years of age. Objective The objective of the study was to assess: 1) the feasibility, acceptability and utility of the CDSMP with this population, and, 2) changes in disease self-efficacy, quality of life (QOL), and self-management behaviors from pre to 6-months after participation in the CDSMP. Methods Patients were eligible if they: 1) had a diagnosis of SCD; 2) were followed by the University of Cincinnati Health Complex or Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) sickle cell clinics; 3) were between the ages of 16 -24; and, 4) had no significant cognitive limitations. Participants received a letter followed by a phone call inviting them to participate in the CDSMP and were compensated at the end of each weekly session. Results Eighteen adolescents completed the CDSMP (i.e., attended four of the six sessions) and have completed their 6-month follow-up. The majority of patients were female (56%) and had Hb SS (SS 67%; SC 28%; Sβ+Thal 5%); the mean age for participants was 19.06 (SD = 2.44). Acceptability data indicated that sessions 2 and 6 (physical activity and exercise, managing difficult emotions, working with your healthcare provider, and planning for the future) were the most beneficial. Overall participant satisfaction with the CDSMP was high, M=8.88 (SD=1.67) on a scale of 1-10 (10=totally satisfied). Qualitative comments suggest that the participants enjoyed interacting with other patients and learning skills to help manage their illness. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine the QOL and disease self-efficacy data. There was not a significant improvement on PedsQL total scores over time. Patient-reported disease self-efficacy scores showed a positive trend (F(1.572, 9.432) = 3.442, P = .083). Participants reported continuing to use a number of the self-management skills/strategies they learned during the intervention such as better breathing (86.7%), problem solving (73.3%), and action planning (66.7%). Discussion Initial Results from this small pilot suggest that the CDSMP may have some promising benefits as an intervention for adolescents and young adults with SCD given its feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact on disease self-efficacy and utilization of skills learned. In addition to participants being satisfied with the content, structure, and opportunity to interact with other participants, they also reported that they continued to use the self-management skills that they had developed. Disease self-efficacy also trended upwards for participants over the course of the intervention. Although improvements in quality of life were not observed at six-months post-intervention, the small sample size likely had an impact. The next steps will be to examine these outcomes for the duration of the post-intervention period (i.e., nine and twelve-month follow-ups) to determine whether the improvements in disease self-efficacy are maintained and whether we see quality of life improving once analyses are completed with a more complete sample size. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Users’ Experiences of a Mobile Health Self-Management Approach for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/15896 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e15896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Floch ◽  
Thomas Vilarinho ◽  
Annabel Zettl ◽  
Gema Ibanez-Sanchez ◽  
Joaquim Calvo-Lerma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Approach

Background Despite a large number of clinical trials aiming at evaluating the digital self-management of chronic diseases, there is little discussion about users’ experiences with digital approaches. However, a good user experience is a critical factor for technology adoption. Understanding users’ experiences can inform the design of approaches toward increased motivation for digital self-management. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the self-management of cystic fibrosis (CF) with a focus on gastrointestinal concerns and the care of young patients. Following a user-centered design approach, we developed a self-management app for patients and parents and a web tool for health care professionals (HCPs). To evaluate the proposed solutions, a 6-month clinical trial was conducted in 6 European CF competence centers. This paper analyzes the user acceptance of the technology and the benefits and disadvantages perceived by the trial participants. Methods A mixed methods approach was applied. Data were collected through 41 semistructured qualitative interviews of patients, parents, and HCPs involved in the clinical trial. In addition, data were collected through questionnaires embedded in the self-management app. Results Support for enzyme dose calculation and nutrition management was found to be particularly useful. Patients and parents rapidly strengthened their knowledge about the treatment and increased their self-efficacy. Reported benefits include reduced occurrence of symptoms and enhanced quality of life. Patients and parents had different skills, requiring follow-up by HCPs in an introductory phase. HCPs valued obtaining precise information about the patients, allowing for more personalized advice. However, the tight follow-up of several patients led to an increased workload. Over time, as patient self-efficacy increased, patient motivation for using the app decreased and the quality of the reported data was reduced. Conclusions Self-management enfolds a collaboration between patients and HCPs. To be successful, a self-management approach should be accepted by both parties. Through understanding behaviors and experiences, this study defines recommendations for a complex case—the demanding treatment of CF. We identify target patient groups and situations for which the app is most beneficial and suggest focusing on these rather than motivating for regular app usage over a long time. We also advise the personalized supervision of patients during the introduction of the approach. Finally, we propose to develop guidance for HCPs to facilitate changes in practice. As personalization and technology literacy are factors found to influence the acceptance of digital self-management of other chronic diseases, it is relevant to consider the proposed recommendations beyond the case of CF.

scholarly journals Trajectories of Health-Related Quality of Life, Health Literacy, and Self-Efficacy in Curatively-Treated Patients with Esophageal Cancer: A Longitudinal Single-Center Study in Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237437352110607
Author(s):  
Arianna Magon ◽  
Rosario Caruso ◽  
Andrea Sironi ◽  
Sabrina Mirabella ◽  
Federica Dellafiore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Esophageal Cancer ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal ◽  
Over Time

This prospective longitudinal study aimed to describe the trajectories of HRQoL, health literacy, and self-efficacy in patients with esophageal cancer, which have been thus far poorly described. Data were collected at baseline (preoperative phase) and in the postoperative period (two weeks, and one, two, and three months after esophagectomy). The study hypothesis was that health literacy and self-efficacy might predict better health status and quality of life over time. Forty-five patients were enrolled between 2018 and 2019. HRQoL, health literacy, and self-efficacy were assessed using validated scales. The ability to analyze information to exert greater control over life events critically (critical health literacy) (η2 p = 0.660) and the individual's confidence in dealing with challenging tasks (self-efficacy) (η2 p = 0.501) strongly predicted the scores of general health status over time. Overall, the functional status improved at 3 months after surgery, and this trend paralleled the decline of cancer-specific and surgery-related symptoms. In conclusion, researchers and clinicians should pay greater attention to optimizing baseline health literacy and self-efficacy levels. Future educational and motivational interventions should be further tested and possibly integrated into the prehabilitation programs.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy in Asthma Self-Management and Quality of Life

2010 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Carol A. Mancuso ◽  
Wendy Sayles ◽  
John P. Allegrante
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Self Management

scholarly journals Prospective Longitudinal Health-related Quality of Life Analysis of the Finnish Arm of the PRIAS Active Surveillance Cohort: 11 Years of Follow-up

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Utku Lokman ◽  
Hanna Vasarainen ◽  
Kanerva Lahdensuo ◽  
Andrew Erickson ◽  
Timo Muhonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Active Surveillance ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Life Analysis ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Self-management factors associated with quality of life among women with endometriosis: a cross-sectional Australian survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca O’Hara ◽  
Heather Rowe ◽  
Jane Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Chronic Disease Management ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Management Factors

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What self-management factors are associated with quality of life among women with endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER Greater self-efficacy was associated with improved physical and mental quality of life. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Women with endometriosis have an impaired quality of life compared to the general female population. However, most studies have investigated quality of life in a hospital or clinic setting rather than a community setting and the association between self-management factors and quality of life have not, to date, been investigated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A cross-sectional, population-based online survey was performed, which was advertised through women’s, community and endometriosis-specific groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 620 women completed the survey for this study. Mental and physical quality of life was assessed using the standardized SF36v2 questionnaire. Self-management factors included self-efficacy, partners in health (active involvement in managing the condition) and performance of self-care activities. Treatment approaches included the use of hormonal treatment, pain medications and complementary therapies and whether the participant had a chronic disease management plan. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine whether self-management and treatment factors were associated with quality of life. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Both physical and mental quality of life were significantly lower among women with endometriosis compared to the mean scores of the general Australian female population (P < 0.001). Physical quality of life was positively associated with income sufficiency (P < 0.001) and greater self-efficacy (P < 0.001), but negatively associated with age (P < 0.001), pain severity (P < 0.001), use of prescription medications (P < 0.001), having a chronic disease management plan (P < 0.05) and number of self-care activities (P < 0.05). Mental quality of life was positively associated with being older (P < 0.001), partnered (P < 0.001), having a university education (P < 0.05), increasing self-efficacy (P < 0.001) and higher partners in health scores (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Results are derived from a cross-sectional study and can only be interpreted as associations not as causal relationships. The sample was more educated, more likely to speak English and be born in Australia than the general Australian female population of the same age, which may influence the generalizability of these results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study investigated a knowledge gap by investigating quality of life of women with endometriosis in a large community sample. Self-efficacy was significantly associated with both physical and mental quality of life. Supporting women with endometriosis to improve self-efficacy through a structured chronic disease management programme may lead to improvements in this aspect of wellbeing. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) R.O. undertook this research as part of her PhD at Monash University, which was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend. J.F. is the Finkel Professor of Global Public Health, which was supported by the Finkel Family Foundation. There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA.

scholarly journals Self-Management, Self-Efficacy, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With Chronic Illness and Medical Complexity

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 304-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilian Bravo ◽  
Mary K. Killela ◽  
Beck L. Reyes ◽  
Karla Marie Bathan Santos ◽  
Vanessa Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Medical Complexity ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related
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