JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Introduction: Many projects related to technology implementation in the context of chronic diseases were developed over the years in primary care to improve patient care. However, implementation in primary care remains challenging in primary care.

Objective:

Objectives: 1) To assess satisfaction among patients with type 2 diabetes using an activity tracker to increase motivation for physical activity and 2) to explore the team’s perception of this technology implementation in a primary care setting.

Methods:

Methods:

We conducted a hybrid type 1 study of 3-months in an Academic Primary Health Centre in Quebec City, Canada. The randomized pilot trial included two groups of 15 patients with type 2 diabetes (control and intervention). Alongside with randomized pilot trial, we performed a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) to determine the components of successful technology implementation. Two questionnaires were used to gather feedback: A homemade satisfaction and acceptability questionnaire on an activity tracker (15 participants in the intervention group) and a questionnaire based on the SWOT elements (7 members of the research team and health professionals). Both questionnaires contained quantitative and qualitative questions. Qualitative variables from selected answers were reported in frequency tabs. Qualitative variables from open questions were synthesized in a matrix and ranked according to apparition frequency and global importance. A thematic analysis was performed by the first author and validated by two coauthors separately. The information gathered was triangulated to propose recommendations that were then approved by the team. Both quantitative (RCT participants) and qualitative (RCT participants and team) results were combined for recommendations.

Results:

Results:

In total, 86% of the participants were satisfied with their activity tracker use and 75% felt that it incited them to stick to their physical activity program. The main strengths of the team members’ perspectives were the study design, the team, and the device. The weaknesses were the budgetary constraints, the turnover, and the technical issues. The opportunities were the primary care setting and the common technology. The threats were recruitment, administrative challenges, and technological difficulties.

Conclusions:

Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes were satisfied with their activity tracker used to improve motivation for physical activity. Research team members agreed that implementation can be done in primary care, but some challenges remain in using this technological tool in clinical practice regularly. Clinical Trial: NCT03709966