JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The use of medical mobile applications (m-Health Apps) as a health education method has enhanced patients' self-care abilities and adherence behaviors, resulting in health promotion and disease prevention behaviors.

Objective:

The establishment and comparison of a health education program utilizing a tracking system for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with mobile applications app (PEG App) and instant messaging software, versus a paper-based health education program with instant messaging software, in terms of their effectiveness on complications, hospital readmissions, self-care, and quality of life outcomes.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial research design was employed, and the study sample consisted of patients from a medical center in central Taiwan who underwent thoracic surgery or gastroenterology procedures. Inclusion criteria included being a new case undergoing their first gastric tube insertion and having the ability to operate a smartphone. Exclusion criteria included cases requiring tube replacement or nasogastric tubes. A total of 74 participants were enrolled, with 37 in the experimental group and 37 in the control group. Data collection took place from hospitalization until one month after discharge. The experimental group received care utilizing the gastric tube tracking system and Line App, while the control group received routine nursing care and Line App.

Results:

The experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in the occurrence of complications compared to the control group, as evidenced by χ2 = 12.087, P= .001. Specifically, the occurrence of leakage events was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group, with χ2 = 12.906, P = .001. However, the experimental group exhibited superior self-care ability compared to the control group (t = 2.203, P= .031). There was no significant difference in overall quality of life scores between the experimental and control groups (t = 1.603, P = .113). However, the experimental group showed better social aspects of quality of life compared to the control group (t = 2.164, P = .034).

Conclusions:

The integration of PEG App with instant messaging can enhance self-care ability, improve social aspects of quality of life, and reduce complications. The study suggests that PEG App could be used as an adjunct tool for promoting patients' self-directed management of their gastric tube at home, particularly for patients who have undergone their first PEG placement and are being discharged from the hospital. Clinical Trial: ChiCTR2300071271