JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Interventions that focus on the non-pharmacologic management of heart failure are vital to promoting health in patients with heart failure. Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) are becoming more integrated into practice to promote chronic disease self-management strategies, optimize care delivery, and reduce health disparities.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of using a mHealth self-management intervention in the heart failure population to inform a future mHealth intervention study.

Methods:

This study used a qualitative descriptive design. Participants were enrolled in the intervention groups of a larger parent study using a mobile app related to heart failure self-management. The purposive, convenient, criterion-based sample for this qualitative analysis consisted of 10 patients who responded to phone calls and were willing to be interviewed. Inclusion criteria for the parent study were adults who were hospitalized at a Midwestern academic medical center with a primary diagnosis an episode of acute decompensated heart failure, discharged to home without services such as home health care, had access to a mobile phone and were able to speak, hear and understand English.

Results:

Participants in this study were middle-aged (M = 55.8, SD = 12), ranging from 36-73 years. The mean educational level was 13.5 (SD = 2.2) range 11-17 years and six (60%) males. Half of the participants were New York Heart Association Classification Class III and half were Class IV. The intervention revealed four self-management themes, including 1) I didn’t realize, and now I know; 2) It feels good to focus on my health; 3) I am the leader of my health care team 4) My health is improving.

Conclusions:

Participants who used a self-management mHealth app intervention for heart failure reported an overall positive experience. Statements were organized into four major themes. The education provided during the study increased self-awareness and promoted self-management of their heart failure. The mHealth app supported patient empowerment, resulting in better heart failure management and improved quality of life. Participants advocated for themselves by becoming the leader of their health, especially when communicating with their health care team. Finally, the mHealth app was used as a self-management tool to assist in symptom management and improve their overall health. Future research should study symptom evaluation, medication tracking and possibly serve as a health provider communication platform to empower individuals to be leaders in their chronic disease management.