[KARLOTTA (Kids + Adolescents Research Learning On Tablet Teaching Aachen) - randomized controlled pilot study for the implementation of a digital educational app with game of skill for pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease]

Abstract

Objectives: Improvement of disease-specific knowledge in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using a digital app and individualized teaching from physician to patient.

Methods: We developed an app for Android Software called KARLOTTA (Kids + Adolescents Research Learning On Tablet Teaching Aachen) with a game of skill and IBD questionnaire with visual feedback and high scores. Randomized controlled study as a pilot project with 30 IBD patients, aged 10-18 years. The intervention group used the KARLOTTA app on a tablet before every consultation during a 12-month period. Outcome parameters were an increase in knowledge, changes in quality of life and analysis of the feedback questionnaires for patient and physician. The statistical analysis was carried out with the X2 -test, Mann-Whitney-U test and descriptive analysis.

Results: KARLOTTA was played 55 times by 14 patients. In all patients (100%) gaps in knowledge could be discovered and specific teaching took place. In the KARLOTTA group, 11 of 14 patients (79%) had an increase in knowledge, in the control group 7 of 15 patients (47%), p-value of 0.08 with the X2 -test. There were no differences in results for quality of life. The app could be used without any problems in 87% of the appointments.

Conclusions: The KARLOTTA app reveals individual gaps in knowledge, provides tailor-made physician-patient teaching and can be easily implemented in the outpatient clinic.