Jordi Puig1, Patricia Echeverría1, Teresa Lluch2, Jordi Herms1, Carla Estany1, Anna Bonjoch1, Arelly Ornelas1, Deborah París1, Cora Loste1, Maria Sarquella1, Bonaventura Clotet1,3,4, Eugènia Negredo1,4. 1. Lluita contra la Sida Foundation, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Badalona, Spain. 2. Professor of Phychosocial and Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. 3. AIDS Research Institute-IRSICAIXA, Institute Germans Trias I Pujol (IGTP), Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Badalona, Spain. 4. University of Vic-Central University of Catalunya, Vic, Spain.
Abstract
Background: HIV infection is an increasingly complex chronic disease associated with numerous medical, psychological, and social problems. The life expectancy of affected patients has increased considerably. Medical apps could also play a role in prevention and management of comorbid conditions in the HIV-infected population. Objectives: To determine the usefulness of an app designed specifically for HIV-infected patients aged 60 years or older and to assess changes in patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and quality of health care. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted, including 100 patients (50 per group): (1) an experimental group comprising patients using the app + routine medical care (app group) and (2) with routine medical care (control group). The usability of the app and patient satisfaction were evaluated in the app group at week 48. Quality of life, adherence to treatment, and clinical parameters were compared between both groups at 48 weeks, as well as the number of face-to-face visits. Results: We found that 52.2% and 73.8% of patients in the app group used the app at weeks 24 and 48, respectively. Patients used the app for a mean of 23.7 (±2.84) days over the 48 weeks. The most visited screens were health counseling and medical records (24.8% and 22.2%, respectively). At week 48, 85.2% of patients thought that the app was useful and 91.4% would recommend the app to friends or relatives. The app was well valued by participants (4.79 [±0.21] of 5.00) and 64.6% thought that the app improved their health care.
RCT Entities:
Background: HIV infection is an increasingly complex chronic disease associated with numerous medical, psychological, and social problems. The life expectancy of affected patients has increased considerably. Medical apps could also play a role in prevention and management of comorbid conditions in the HIV-infected population. Objectives: To determine the usefulness of an app designed specifically for HIV-infectedpatients aged 60 years or older and to assess changes in patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and quality of health care. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted, including 100 patients (50 per group): (1) an experimental group comprising patients using the app + routine medical care (app group) and (2) with routine medical care (control group). The usability of the app and patient satisfaction were evaluated in the app group at week 48. Quality of life, adherence to treatment, and clinical parameters were compared between both groups at 48 weeks, as well as the number of face-to-face visits. Results: We found that 52.2% and 73.8% of patients in the app group used the app at weeks 24 and 48, respectively. Patients used the app for a mean of 23.7 (±2.84) days over the 48 weeks. The most visited screens were health counseling and medical records (24.8% and 22.2%, respectively). At week 48, 85.2% of patients thought that the app was useful and 91.4% would recommend the app to friends or relatives. The app was well valued by participants (4.79 [±0.21] of 5.00) and 64.6% thought that the app improved their health care.
Entities:
Keywords:
HIV infection; aging; app; chronicity; m-health; telemedicine
Authors: Patricia Echeverría; Jordi Puig; José María Ruiz; Jordi Herms; Maria Sarquella; Bonaventura Clotet; Eugenia Negredo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-24 Impact factor: 3.390