Acceptance and use of a smartphone application in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The development of cirrhosis-related smartphone applications for remote monitoring is increasing. Whether patients with cirrhosis will welcome such new technology, however, is uncertain.
METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients with cirrhosis (N = 102) to determine predictors of acceptance and utilization of a smartphone application for cirrhosis management using a 12-item Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) survey. Patients were then shown the EncephalApp© and evaluated for their willingness to download and use the application.
RESULTS: Patients had a median age of 61.3 years and 63.7% had a history of hepatic decompensation. Intention to use the hypothetical application was associated with perceived usefulness (β: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3-0.5) and the presence of a caregiver (β: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.2-2.0). Of the eligible participants, 71% agreed to download the EncephalApp© and the decision was influenced by computer anxiety, behavioural intent, caregiver presence and disease state factors. Actual usage was 32% and not associated with baseline characteristics or the technology acceptance model.
CONCLUSIONS: Patient acceptance of smartphone applications for the management of cirrhosis is high and related to their attitudes towards technology and the presence of a caregiver. However, usage was low. Future research must employ behavioural interventions to optimize uptake and utilization of remote monitoring technology.