Patient-Perceived Usefulness and Usability of a Smartphone/Online Application in Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management

摘要

Background: Few studies have taken a qualitative approach to determine the potential role of smartphone applications or "apps" in self-management activities of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). A qualitative approach may identify pragmatic issues on the use of disease-management apps that may not arise through quantitative analyses.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate patients' perceived usefulness and usability of a smartphone/online app — Glucose Buddy — in T2DM self-management. Methods: A convenient sample of 6 participants with T2DM was recruited from a family health team clinic and a community pharmacy. Participants were instructed to use Glucose Buddy on their smartphone or computer. Phone interviews were conducted at 2 and 4 weeks to determine facilitators and barriers of the use of the app, the impact on diabetes self-management, and overall patient-perceived impact on health. A qualitative thematic coding approach was used to identify recurring themes. Results: Participants had varied opinions regarding the perceived usefulness and usability of the app for T2DM self-management. Some felt that the app helped increase their adherence to glucose monitoring, which led to a greater sense of control over their condition. However, this did not always lead to an increase in other self-management activities such as exercise. The usability of the app also varied among the participants, with "confusion" being identified as a common theme. Lack of intuitive acronyms throughout the app also led to challenges in using and navigating the app. Conclusions: The impact of smartphone/online application on T2DM self-management appears to be individualized. The tracking features seem to positively impact certain aspects of disease management (e.g., glucose monitoring) but not others (e.g., exercise). Pharmacists should be aware of the practical issues when recommending phone apps to diabetic patients. It is important to individualize app selection to ensure optimal benefits to patient care.