JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Solid organ transplantation, including liver, kidney, heart, lung, pancreas, and intestinal transplants, has evolved into the predominant treatment for end-stage organ failure, but long-term follow-up still faces major challenges related to adherence, self-management, and early detection of complications. Mobile health applications and connected devices are increasingly used to support everyday management after transplantation, while peer support and patient partnership modes are gaining prominence. However, evidence on how these technologies are implemented, how they influence self-management, and how patients are engaged in their development remains fragmented.

Objective:

This scoping review aimed to : (1) evaluate the conditions for using connected devices and mobile health applications in the daily monitoring of patients who have received a solid organ transplant, (2) evaluate the self-management capacity of patients who use these digital devices, and (3) evaluate how patients have been involved in the development of these technological innovations.

Methods:

Following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidance, and building on the Arksey & O’Malley and Levac frameworks, we searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Web of Science (2010-2025). Twenty-six studies involving adult or paediatric recipients of kidney, liver, heart, or lung transplants using mobile apps and/or connected devices were included. Data were extracted with a standardized grid and analyzed using an integrated theoretical lens combining the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation– Behaviour) and the Montreal Model of patient partnership.

Results:

A total of 26 studies published between 2010 and 2025 were included, representing a heterogeneous but informative body of evidence across six transplanted organs: kidney, liver, lung, heart, pancreas, and intestine. The overall quality of reporting was uneven: 14 publications were pilot or feasibility studies, and 12 studies were randomized controlled trials. Seven studies included at least one connected device and a mobile application, and nineteen studies focused on mobile health applications. Technologies were used to support medication adherence, monitoring of vital signs and lifestyle behaviours, and to enhance communication with clinicians. High initial engagement was frequently reported, but long-term use often declined, especially when the tools relied solely on self-entry and lacked meaningful feedback. Interventions combining connected devices, educational apps, and regular human support showed higher adherence and perceived usefulness. Across studies, patient involvement was largely limited to usability testing or satisfaction surveys; no intervention reported formal involvement of patient partners in governance or co-leadership.

Conclusions:

Connected devices and mobile health applications can enhance post-transplant self-management when they are reliable, clinically integrated, and accompanied by sustained peer support. Their full potential remains underused due to fragmented implementation and limited patient partnership. Future work should prioritize long-term evaluation, standardized reporting of adherence and outcomes, and genuine co-design with transplant recipients and patient partners to develop more acceptable, equitable, and sustainable models of digitally supported follow-up.