Development of a patient-centered app in Germany as a special health and organizational support by surveying patients with cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Background: A variety of health-related mobile applications (apps) and wearables often encompass a narrow application area. Our study therefore aims to provide the basis for the development of an app that comprehensively assists patients to deal with their disease in the best possible way and that improves the course of the disease in the long term.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter analysis of patients using a questionnaire study at two German clinics and surveyed 100 patients with cardiovascular disease. For the analysis of the interviews, particularly Likert scales were used.

Results: 24.0% were female, median age was 62.5 years. Leading causes for hospitalization were coronary artery disease (40.0%) and heart failure (22.0%). The most frequent pre-existing conditions were arterial hypertension (55.0%), atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (31.0%), and again coronary artery disease (31.0%). Typical disease associated feelings were fear for life (43.0%) and uncertainty (43.0%). When considering future management of the disease, 75.0% felt motivated, 70.0% felt confident, and 68.0% felt hopeful. Of the patients surveyed, 60.0% indicated a willingness to use the app and another 24.0% were potentially willing to do so. Furthermore, significantly more patients < 63 years stated a willingness or potential willingness to use the app (p = 0.029). For those considering an app usage in general, the most favoured features were a document management (81.8%) and a medication management (65.9%). While only 36.4% indicated that the app could at least partially alleviate their worries, 94.3% expected a reduction in organizational effort. With respect to age groups, there was no significant difference (organizational effort: p = 0.239; worries: p = 0.275).

Conclusions: Particularly younger patients < 63 years with cardiovascular disease show a substantial willingness to use an app as a special health support, particularly in terms of document and medication management. They especially hope for a reduction in organizational effort.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Digital health; Health-related app; Patient-centeredness; Personalized health.