Understanding user requirements of an app for COPD patients which supports them in exacerbation-related self-management, explored by using low-fidelity paper prototypes A generic qualitative study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can have exacerbations which cause decreased physical activity, lowered quality of life and increased risk of death. Self-monitoring and action plans encouraging self-management can be effective to prevent exacerbations but are not tailored to the patient's personal situation. There are promising opportunities for health applications for smartphones as they can be adjusted to the individual user. A personal orientated mHealth-intervention that can be used as an application at a smartphone is being developed. Aim To explore the perceptions, needs, and preferences of patients with COPD and their healthcare providers (HCP’s) towards scenarios of an mHealth-intervention that supports exacerbation-related self-management by using low-fidelity paper prototypes, to understand the usability requirements. Methods A qualitative generic study with semi-structured interviews was performed amongst two purposive samples in primary, secondary, and tertiary settings: one sample of six patients with COPD and one sample of six healthcare providers who treat patients with COPD. During semi-structured interviews, the low-fidelity paper prototypes were showed. A thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke was performed. Results All participants considered the mHealth-intervention of added value. Themes were mostly equal for patients and HCP’s: added value, personalized, easy and simple, reduce panic, support exacerbation-related self-management, gain insight into personal health-status, must not replace the consult with the HCP and, barriers and facilitators. Most HCP ’s intended to use the mHealth-intervention. Conclusion and implication of key findings This qualitative study showed that the mHealth-intervention is a tool that needs to be simple, personalized and must reduce panic. This information can support future choices in the development of the mHealth-intervention. Designers and developers can use results of this study so adjust mobile health applications to the user requirements.

Keywords: COPD, exacerbations, paper prototype, usability, mHealth, patient-tailored, self-management