Exploring Opportunities and Challenges for the Spread, Scale-Up, and Sustainability of mHealth Apps for Self-Management of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Netherlands: Citizen Science Approach

Abstract

BackgroundTechnologies evolve at a breakneck pace, and the success of mobile health (mHealth) for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) depends on whether health care professionals, care management, government regulators, and consumers will adopt the technology as a viable solution to enhance patient self-management. ObjectiveIn this study, we explored the challenges of the implementation of mHealth apps in care for patients with T2DM and determined to what extent these challenges complicate the dissemination, limit scale-up, and influence the sustainability of technological interventions for patients with T2DM. MethodsThe nonadoption, abandonment, and challenges to scale-up, spread, and sustainability (NASSS) framework served as the basis for our study. The 7 domains of the NASSS framework were explored with a citizen science approach using questionnaires, semistructured in-depth interviews, and focus groups together with patients with T2DM, care professionals, technology developers, policy officers, and a patient organization. ResultsRegarding the domain “condition,” being aware of their condition and changing lifestyle were crucial for patients with T2DM to get to grips with their life. The rapid development of health apps for T2DM was highlighted in the domain “technology.” Users should be aware of these apps and know how to use them. The domain “value proposition” included the patient perspective and elaborated on personal values, as well as care professionals who focus on personalized care and pressure on health care. Regarding the “adopters,” it is crucial to know who needs to use and introduce the apps. Responsibility, a shared vision, and resistance among care professionals were mentioned as important determinants for “organization.” Finally, the domain “wider system” showed the importance of involving multiple institutes, care guidelines, and reimbursements. ConclusionsThis study investigated the implementation of mHealth apps in an early stage of the implementation process. Key stakeholders were involved, who attributed to the possibilities and limitations of the implementation. It is crucial to have a clear vision from an organizational perspective and specific prerequisites for implementation strategies at micro, meso, and macro levels. Essential strategies at the national level include guidelines for regulations, privacy, and security; the integration of mHealth into T2DM care guidelines; and sufficient reimbursement by health insurers.