JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital patient-centered interventions may be important tools for improving and promoting social interaction, health, and well-being among older adults. In this regard, we developed a mobile app called DigiAdherence for an older adult population, which consisted of easy to access short videos and messages, to improve health-related knowledge among older adults and prevent common health conditions, such as falls, polypharmacy, treatment adherence, nutritional problems, and physical inactivity.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the usability and utility of the DigiAdherence app among Portuguese older adults aged 65 years or older.

Methods:

In this pilot non-controlled quasi-experimental study, older adults who were patients at the primary healthcare center in Portimão, Portugal, and owned a smartphone or tablet were recruited. Participants were assessed at baseline, given access to the DigiAdherence app for 1 month, and assessed again immediately after 30 days (1st assessment) and 60 days after stopping use of the app (2nd assessment). App usability and utility (primary outcomes) were analyzed in the two follow-up assessments using a structured questionnaire with eight items. Treatment adherence (Morisky scale) and health-related quality of life (10-point scale) (secondary outcomes) were also assessed.

Results:

The study included 26 older adults. Most participants rated the different functionalities of the app positively and perceived the app as useful, attractive, and user-friendly (median score of 6 on a 7-point Likert scale). In addition, after follow-up, participants reported having a sense of security and greater knowledge in preventing falls (66.7%) and managing therapies and polypharmacy (61.5%).

Conclusions:

The DigiAdherence mobile app was useful and highly accepted by older adults, who developed more confidence regarding health-related knowledge.