scholarly journals Evaluation of Self-Management Support Functions in Apps for People With Persistent Pain: Systematic Review (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hemakumar Devan ◽  
Devin Farmery ◽  
Lucy Peebles ◽  
Rebecca Grainger
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Persistent Pain ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Pain Diary

BACKGROUND Smartphone apps are a potential mechanism for development of self-management skills in people with persistent pain. However, the inclusion of best-practice content items in available pain management apps fostering core self-management skills for self-management support is not known. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the contents of smartphone apps providing information on pain management strategies for people with persistent pain facilitating self-management support and to appraise the app quality. METHODS A systematic search was performed in the New Zealand App Store and Google Play Store. Apps were included if they were designed for people with persistent pain, provided information on pain self-management strategies, and were available in English. App contents were evaluated using an a priori 14-item self-management support (SMS-14) checklist. App quality was assessed using the 23-item Mobile Apps Rating Scale. RESULTS Of the 939 apps screened, 19 apps met the inclusion criteria. Meditation and guided relaxation were the most frequently included self-management strategies. Overall, the included apps met a median of 4 (range 1-8) of the SMS-14 checklist. A total of 3 apps (Curable, PainScale-Pain Diary and Coach, and SuperBetter) met the largest number of items (8 out of 14) to foster self-management of pain. Self-monitoring of symptoms (n=11) and self-tailoring of strategies (n=9) were frequently featured functions, whereas a few apps had features facilitating social support and enabling communicating with clinicians. No apps provided information tailored to the cultural needs of the user. The app quality mean scores using Mobile Apps Rating Scale ranged from 2.7 to 4.5 (out of 5.0). Although use of 2 apps (Headspace and SuperBetter) has been shown to improve health outcomes, none of the included apps have been evaluated in people with persistent pain. CONCLUSIONS Of the 3 apps (Curable, PainScale-Pain Diary and Coach, and SuperBetter) that met the largest number of items to support skills in self-management of pain, 2 apps (PainScale-Pain Diary and Coach and SuperBetter) were free, suggesting the potential for using apps as a scalable, wide-reaching intervention to complement face-to-face care. However, none provided culturally tailored information. Although 2 apps (Headspace and SuperBetter) were validated to show improved health outcomes, none were tested in people with persistent pain. Both users and clinicians should be aware of such limitations and make informed choices in using or recommending apps as a self-management tool. For better integration of apps in clinical practice, concerted efforts are required among app developers, clinicians, and people with persistent pain in developing apps and evaluating for clinical efficacy.

Do pain management websites foster self-management support for people with persistent pain? A scoping review

2019 ◽  
Vol 102 (9) ◽  
pp. 1590-1601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hemakumar Devan ◽  
Meredith A. Perry ◽  
Angelique van Hattem ◽  
Greg Thurlow ◽  
Sam Shepherd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Persistent Pain ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Support

scholarly journals Feasibility of an mHealth self-management intervention for children and adolescents with sickle cell disease and their families

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Phillips ◽  
Julie Kanter ◽  
Martina Mueller ◽  
Amy Gulledge ◽  
Kenneth Ruggiero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Feasibility Assessment ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Scale Scores

Abstract Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy that leads to blood vessel occlusion and multiorgan complications, including pain, that may be experienced daily. Symptom management often begins at home, and tools are needed to support self-management strategies that can be implemented by children with SCD and families. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the mHealth self-management intervention (application) Voice Crisis Alert V2 for children with SCD and families. Feasibility assessment was guided by the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. Data were collected with 60 dyads (children with SCD/caregivers) at four time points. Self-management data were collected via application use, and postintervention interviews were conducted. Analyses included descriptive statistics and constant comparison with directed content analysis. Recruitment was completed in 28 weeks, with 82% retention at end-of-intervention. Mobile Application Rating Scale scores and interview data indicated high satisfaction. From baseline to mid-intervention, 94% of dyads used the application (75% of total use); 45% used the application from mid-intervention to the end-of-intervention. Dyads made 2,384 actions in the application; the most commonly used features were recording health history and recording and tracking symptoms. Few reported issues with the application; most issues occurred early in the study and were corrected. After the intervention period was completed, 37% continued to use the application. Feasibility was confirmed by meeting recruitment and retention goals, high adoption of the application, and high reported satisfaction with the application. Challenges with sustained use were encountered, and areas for improvement were identified.

scholarly journals Characteristics of self-management among patients with complex health needs: a thematic analysis review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e028344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie-Pier Gobeil-Lavoie ◽  
Maud-Christine Chouinard ◽  
Alya Danish ◽  
Catherine Hudon
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Dominant Condition ◽  
Use Of Health Services

ObjectiveThere is a gap of knowledge among healthcare providers on characteristics of self-management among patients with chronic diseases and complex healthcare needs. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to identify characteristics of self-management among patients with chronic diseases and complex healthcare needs.DesignThematic analysis review of the literature.MethodsWe developed search strategies for the MEDLINE and CINAHL databases, covering the January 2000–October 2018 period. All articles in English or French addressing self-management among an adult clientele (18 years and older) with complex healthcare needs (multimorbidity, vulnerability, complexity and frequent use of health services) were included. Studies that addressed self-management of a single disease or that did not have any notion of complexity or vulnerability were excluded. A mixed thematic analysis, deductive and inductive, was performed by three evaluators as described by Mileset al.ResultsTwenty-one articles were included. Patients with complex healthcare needs present specific features related to self-management that can be exacerbated by deprived socioeconomic conditions. These patients must often prioritise care based on one dominant condition. They are at risk for depression, psychological distress and low self-efficacy, as well as for receiving contradictory information from healthcare providers. However, the knowledge and experiences acquired in the past in relation to their condition may help them improve their self-management skills.ConclusionsThis review identifies challenges to self-management for patients with complex healthcare needs, which are exacerbated in contexts of socioeconomic insecurity and proposes strategies to help healthcare providers better adapt their self-management support interventions to meet the specific needs of this vulnerable clientele.

scholarly journals Self-management of patients with advanced cancer: A systematic review of experiences and attitudes

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie I van Dongen ◽  
Kim de Nooijer ◽  
Jane M Cramm ◽  
Anneke L Francke ◽  
Wendy H Oldenmenger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Quality Of Reporting

Background: Patients with advanced cancer are increasingly expected to self-manage. Thus far, this topic has received little systematic attention. Aim: To summarise studies describing self-management strategies of patients with advanced cancer and associated experiences and personal characteristics. Also, to summarise attitudes of relatives and healthcare professionals towards patient self-management. Design: A systematic review including non-experimental quantitative and qualitative studies. Data were analysed using critical interpretive synthesis. Included studies were appraised on methodological quality and quality of reporting. Data sources: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Google Scholar (until 11 June 2019). Results: Of 1742 identified articles, 31 moderate-quality articles describing 8 quantitative and 23 qualitative studies were included. Patients with advanced cancer used self-management strategies in seven domains: medicine and pharmacology, lifestyle, mental health, social support, knowledge and information, navigation and coordination and medical decision-making (29 articles). Strategies were highly individual, sometimes ambivalent and dependent on social interactions. Older patients and patients with more depressive symptoms and lower levels of physical functioning, education and self-efficacy might have more difficulties with certain self-management strategies (six articles). Healthcare professionals perceived self-management as desirable and achievable if based on sufficient skills and knowledge and solid patient–professional partnerships (three articles). Conclusion: Self-management of patients with advanced cancer is highly personal and multifaceted. Strategies may be substitutional, additional or even conflicting compared to care provided by healthcare professionals. Self-management support can benefit from an individualised approach embedded in solid partnerships with relatives and healthcare professionals.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Self-Management Support Functions in Apps for People With Persistent Pain: Systematic Review

10.2196/13080 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e13080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hemakumar Devan ◽  
Devin Farmery ◽  
Lucy Peebles ◽  
Rebecca Grainger
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Persistent Pain ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Support Functions

scholarly journals Patients’ Experiences of Using Smartphone Apps to Support Self-Management and Improve Medication Adherence in Hypertension: Qualitative Study

10.2196/17470 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e17470
Author(s):  
Ciara M McBride ◽  
Eimear C Morrissey ◽  
Gerard J Molloy
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Antihypertensive Drug Therapy ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Improve Medication Adherence ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Feasible Method

Background Worldwide, hypertension control rates remain suboptimal despite clinically effective antihypertensive drug therapy. Patient failure to take medication as prescribed (ie, nonadherence) is the most important factor contributing to poor control. Smartphone apps can facilitate the delivery of evidence-based behavior change techniques to improve adherence and may provide a scalable, usable, and feasible method to deliver self-management support. Objective The aim of this study is to explore patients’ experiences of the usability and feasibility of smartphone apps to support self-management and improve medication adherence in hypertension. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. A total of 11 people living with hypertension from the West of Ireland were sampled purposively and interviewed about their experience of using a self-management app for a 4-week period, which included two key functionalities: self-monitoring of blood pressure (BP) and medication reminders. Thematic analysis was carried out on the semistructured interview data. Results Participants’ age ranged from 43 to 74 years (mean 62 years, SD 9.13). Three themes were identified: digital empowerment of self-management, human versus digital systems, and digital sustainability. Although patients’ experience of using the technology to self-monitor BP was one of empowerment, characterized by an enhanced insight and understanding into their condition, control, and personal responsibility, the reminder function was only feasible for patients who reported unintentional nonadherence to treatment. Patients experienced the app as a sustainable tool to support self-management and found it easy to use, including those with limited technological competence. Conclusions The study’s findings provide new insights into the experience of using apps to support medication adherence in hypertension. Overall, the data support apps as a usable and feasible method to aid self-management of hypertension and highlight the need for personalized functionality, particularly with regard to medication adherence reminder strategies. The study’s findings challenge the perspective that the use of these technologies to support self-management can inevitably add to the burden of treatment experienced by patients.

scholarly journals Moving With Pain: What Principles From Somatic Practices Can Offer to People Living With Chronic Pain

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Meehan ◽  
Bernie Carter
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
External Environment ◽  
Persistent Pain ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Chronic Pain Management ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Pain Experiences ◽  
Internal Body

This article brings together research from the fields of chronic pain management and somatic practices to develop a novel framework of principles to support people living with persistent pain. These include movement-based approaches to awareness of the internal body (interoception), the external environment (exteroception) and movement in space (proprioception). These significantly work with the lived subjective experiences of people living with pain, to become aware of body signals and self-management of symptoms, explore fear and pleasure of movement, and understand how social environments impact on pain. This analysis has potential to create new ways of supporting, understanding and articulating pain experiences, as well as shaping the future of somatic practices for chronic pain.

scholarly journals Using a Web-Based App to Deliver Rehabilitation Strategies to Persons With Chronic Conditions: Development and Usability Study

10.2196/19519 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e19519
Author(s):  
Julie Richardson ◽  
Lori Letts ◽  
Susanne Sinclair ◽  
David Chan ◽  
Jordan Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
End Users ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Usability Tests ◽  
Rehabilitation Strategies

Background The global rise in the incidence of chronic conditions and aging is associated with increased disability. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can mitigate the resulting burden on the health care system with their expertise in optimizing function. Rehabilitation self-management strategies can assist people with chronic conditions to accept, adjust, and manage different aspects of their daily functioning. Interventions delivered using technology have the potential to increase the accessibility, availability, and affordability of rehabilitation self-management support and services. Objective This study aims to describe the development and usability evaluation of iamable, a web-based app created to provide rehabilitation self-management support for people with chronic conditions. Methods The development and evaluation of iamable were undertaken in several phases. We used user-centered design principles and an iterative process that included consultations with rehabilitation experts; developed a prototype; and conducted usability tests, heuristic evaluations, and a focus group analysis. Results The iamable app was developed to provide rehabilitation self-management strategies in the areas of exercise, fall prevention, fatigue management, pain management, physical activity, and stress management. We engaged adults aged ≥45 years with at least one chronic condition (N=11) in usability testing. They identified navigation and the understanding of instructions as the primary issues for end users. During the heuristic evaluation, clinicians (N=6) recommended that some areas of app content should be more succinct and that help should be more readily available. The focus group provided input to help guide clinical simulation testing, including strategies for selecting patients and overcoming barriers to implementation. Conclusions We engaged end users and clinicians in the development and evaluation of the iamable app in an effort to create a web-based tool that was useful to therapists and their patients. By addressing usability issues, we were able to ensure that patients had access to rehabilitation strategies that could be used to help them better manage their health. Our app also provides therapists with a platform that they can trust to empower their patients to be more active in the management of chronic conditions. This paper provides a resource that can be used by others to develop and evaluate web-based health apps.

scholarly journals A Systematic Literature Review of the Design Approach and Usability Evaluation of the Pain Management Mobile Applications

Symmetry ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umm Shah ◽  
Thiam Chiew
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Design Approach ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Usability Assessment

The increasing popularity of mHealth is a promising opportunity for pain self-management. Mobile apps can be easily developed, but understanding the design and usability will result in apps that can retain more users. This research aims at identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing the current state-of-the-art of: (a) the design approach and (b) usability assessment of pain management mobile applications. A systematic literature review was conducted on 27 studies retrieved from Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. The review revealed that most of the apps were for chronic pain. No app was specifically for men or for the elderly. None of the studies involved expert-based system inspection methods. Only one study used two different approaches of automated and empirical evaluation. We mapped the identified usability issues to ISO 9241-11 and ISO/IEC 25010, and aggregated the recommendations for improvement. Moreover, we also identified certain issues that are solely concerned with the patient’s behavior. We organized the issues into taxonomies of design considerations for building usable pain self-management mobile applications. As pain is prevalent among the elderly, pain management will be much needed while moving toward an aging society. However, we found that the involvement of the elderly in the development of pain management mobile apps is very minimal, which may affect the utility and usability of the apps.

Better knowledge, better health: piloting an education intervention in chronic condition self-management support

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Newton ◽  
Leah Falkingham ◽  
Lyn Clearihan
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Lifestyle Risk ◽  
Risk Modification

Chronic condition self-management and lifestyle risk modification education is paramount for General Practice registrars. A multi-dimensional learning package ‘Better Knowledge, Better Health’ was developed and piloted to improve General Practice registrars’ understanding of their role in supporting chronic condition self-management in patients with osteoarthritis. This pilot study was supported by the Australian Better Health Initiative. Pre-training learning needs analysis with a new intake of General Practice registrars (n = 40) indicated high levels of confidence in supporting patients in chronic condition management and lifestyle risk modification, and locating and interacting with local resources and allied health professionals. Conversely, interviews with General Practice Supervisors (n = 13) found most would not identify chronic condition self-management skills as priorities for registrar learning. Supervisors were also not familiar with core principles of chronic condition self-management, in particular application of motivational interviewing to behaviour change. Disparities between General Practice Supervisors’ perceptions of the importance of chronic condition self-management and lifestyle risk modification education and levels of access to learning opportunities in chronic condition self-management for registrars are discussed. Difficulties in implementing a pilot study within tight timeframes are also explored.

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