JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Heart failure is a chronic condition which significantly impacts patients’ quality of life and increases healthcare burden. Effective self-monitoring and lifestyle modifications are essential components of management and improving health outcomes. Mobile health technologies, such as smartphone apps, are being used more widely to assist heart failure patients with self-management. However, evidence regarding patient engagement, user experience, and the effectiveness of these mobile health tools remains limited and continues to evolve.

Objective:

Our research aimed to explore the feasibility of a mobile health platform, MoTER-HF, which incorporates a smartphone app and a web-based clinical portal to support self-management in heart failure patients.

Methods:

The feasibility study utilized a single-group pretest-posttest mixed-methods design. A total of 23 participants diagnosed with heart failure were recruited to use the app and two Bluetooth-enabled devices (a blood pressure monitor and a digital weight scale) over a 12-week period. Patients’ engagement and acceptance were assessed using a satisfaction questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and platform usage logs. Health and behavior outcomes were measured at baseline and at week 12 using validated instruments.

Results:

Most participants found the MoTER-HF app easy to use and aligned with their daily health monitoring routines. The frequency of use for features such as tracking blood pressure and weight daily was high. However, features such as self-reported symptom tracking and recording exercises in the app were used less frequently, reflecting individual preferences and perceived relevance. While no statistically significant changes in health and behaviour outcome were observed, trends indicated modest improvements in self-care, quality of life, and psychological well-being. Participants reported improved self-monitoring practices and valued the ability to visualize and track their data as well as the reassurance provided through nurses’ oversight.

Conclusions:

The MoTER-HF platform has demonstrated potential in supporting self-management among individuals with heart failure, particularly when it incorporates features that participants find engaging. Further research is needed to better understand the platform’s impact on health outcomes and to involve clinicians in developing a scalable digital model of care.