Expectations of a Health-Related Mobile Self-Management App Intervention Among Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2022 · DOI: 10.46292/sci21-00022 · Published: July 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores the expectations of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) regarding a mobile app designed to help them manage their health. Understanding what users anticipate from such apps is crucial for encouraging their adoption and continued use. The study involved interviewing 20 community-dwelling participants with SCI to gather their expectations about the app's potential to improve their health management. The findings revealed that participants hoped the app would lead to better health outcomes, wanted to explore its capabilities, and desired greater personal autonomy and social participation through its use.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

20 community-dwelling participants with SCI

Evidence Level

Qualitative descriptive study

Key Findings

1
Participants expected the app to improve psychological, physical, and behavioral health outcomes, including reducing anxiety and promoting physical activity.
2
Participants were keen to learn about the app's functionality and how it could efficiently assist in their health management, but also had concerns about privacy and confidentiality.
3
Participants desired the app to foster greater personal autonomy in managing their health and to facilitate social engagement with others in the community.

Research Summary

This study explored the expectations of individuals with SCI regarding a mobile app designed for self-management of secondary conditions. Understanding these expectations is vital for promoting app adoption and continued use. The study identified three main themes: desiring better health outcomes (psychological, physical, and behavioral), wanting to learn about the app's potential (functionality, efficiency), and desiring greater personal autonomy and social participation. The findings suggest that addressing user expectations related to health improvements, app functionality, and social engagement can enhance mobile health app use among SCI populations and inform future app development for chronic disease management.

Practical Implications

Improved App Design

Incorporate features addressing psychological well-being, physical activity promotion, and behavioral reminders to align with user expectations.

Enhanced User Engagement

Provide clear explanations of app functionality and address privacy concerns to foster trust and encourage exploration.

Social Integration

Integrate features that promote social participation and community engagement to support a sense of autonomy and connection.

Study Limitations

1
Limited information provided about specific participants due to confidentiality.
2
The study only included individuals with access to technology, potentially missing perspectives from those without.
3
Omission of data on race and ethnicity of study participants.

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