Tracking chronic diseases via mobile health applications: Which user experience aspects are key? (Preprint)

Abstract

A major hurdle in fully realizing the value of Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) concerns technology. To collect and use PROs in a useful manner, a healthcare application must be user-friendly and add value to all stakeholders. One of the most crucial components is an easeful, intuitive, and positive user experience (UX). Especially in people with chronic conditions who will need to respond over long periods of time, user retention is paramount. A good UX will unlock the data’s potential, increase user retention, and deliver the desired benefits in continuous (primary use) and large-scale data collection (secondary use).

This study aimed to explore pertinent UX issues for a PRO collection application intended for patients with chronic diseases in European countries.

Patient focus groups were conducted on four chronic disease areas: cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diabetes (type I & II). Scripts were transcribed, coded and organised into (sub)themes and meaningful patterns using the UX honeycomb model.

In total, 17 patients and patient representatives participated (76% female; 4 diabetes, 6 IBD and 7 cancer). Similarities and differences for patient needs and desired features were highlighted. We identified compatibility with other technologies, direct communication with the care team, personalisation, ability to share data, the need for educational material and data protection as key aspects of PRO technologies.

To ensure usefulness of a PRO collection app for people with chronic diseases, other features such as direct contact with care team, alerts and check-ups, integration of various data sources and seamless data transfers should be considered. In addition to some minor diseases-specific issues, most needs were shared among the disease areas. This shows that a shared app between diseases might be preferable and, in case of comorbidities, could ease the self-management for patients. Last, to ensure full potential for every user, customisation is crucial.