Patient Preference and Adherence (Oct 2021)
Potential Development of a Mobile Application for Gout Self-Management: What Support Do Patients Need?
Abstract
Yao Yin,1 Huan Wang,2 Chao-Feng Fan,1 Hong Chen3 1Department of Neurology/Evidence-based Nursing Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Nursing, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China; 3West China School of Nursing and Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Hong ChenWest China School of Nursing and Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxuexiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 18980601733Email [email protected]: With the increasing prevalence and chronic course of gout, the use of mobile health (mHealth) applications (APPs) for gout self-management is attracting considerable research attention as an effective approach to improving health outcomes. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the self-management support that a mHealth APP for gout should provide to patients according to their needs. The aim of this study was to interview patients with gout and identify their needs with respect to gout self-management support.Patients and Methods: We conducted qualitative research using a purposive sampling method from January 2019 to August 2019. Individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients recruited from West China Hospital in Sichuan, China. The qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by thematic analysis.Results: Ten male patients with gout were included in the final analysis. Instrumental, psychological, and relational support emerged as themes describing the needs of patients for gout self-management support. The instrumental support included health education, hospital registration, setting reminders, and shopping. Psychological support referred to helping patients mitigate various negative emotions. Relational support included interactions with healthcare providers and fellow patients.Conclusion: The present findings indicate that healthcare providers or companies should develop mHealth APPs for gout self-management based on the needs of patients.Keywords: gout, self-management, mobile applications, China
