JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder that impairs bowel functions and patients’ overall quality of life. IBS-focused digital health technologies (DHTs), including online health resources and mobile health (mHealth) apps, have recently proliferated for patient use. However, research exploring patients’ experiences with navigating, adopting, or using commercial or publicly available DHTs for IBS self-management is limited.

Objective:

To explore IBS patients’ user experiences and decision-making in navigating, adopting, and using DHTs for disease self-management.

Methods:

Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted virtually to explore IBS patients’ experiences using DHTs, including their perspectives towards design and features, their decision-making process in using DHTs, and recommendations on improving user experience and uptake. Canadian-based IBS patients who were using or have used mHealth apps to manage symptoms were recruited through purposive sampling from previous IBS-related studies. Discussions were transcribed verbatim, and inductive thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 14. A modified version of the Expanded Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model was applied to guide the interpretation of the dynamic relationship between the influences in participants’ decisions around DHTs.

Results:

Among the eight participants (all females, mean age 55.3 years), two themes were identified: (1) uncertainty impacts the trustworthiness of DHTs, and (2) influences that drive IBS patients’ decision-making process to adopt and use DHTs. The observed influences aligned with the constructs of the UTAUT2 model (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price value, habit), with the addition of trust and risk in participants’ decision-making. Digital health literacy and patient engagement were also raised as crucial components of participants’ experiences and perspectives on DHTs.

Conclusions:

Findings of this study highlight the current landscape of digital health in IBS and existing gaps and challenges for patients in navigating, adopting, and using DHTs for IBS self-management. While DHTs were generally viewed positively for their value and potential, patients consider several coexisting factors and trade-offs in their decision-making. Further investigations on the influences and perspectives of DHTs could enhance future developments and iterations of these tools and improve patient confidence and uptake.