Dietary Application for the Management of Patients with Hemodialysis: A Formative Development Study / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: To describe the step-by-step person-centered, theory-based development of the KELA.AE app for Arabic speaking hemodialysis patients. METHODS: A step-by-step person-driven theory-based approach was conducted to develop a self-monitoring and educational dietary app for hemodialysis patients. The development follows the Integration, Design, Assessment, and Sharing (IDEAS) framework. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 6 hemodialysis patients and 6 healthcare practitioners (dietitians and nephrologists) were performed to assess the need for an app, the willingness to use an app, and features desired in an app. RESULTS: The KELA.AE app, which includes a self-monitoring feature, CKD-friendly recipes, and a theory-based, evidence-based educational feature was developed. Qualitative analysis of interviews revealed two predominant themes from patient interviews ‘Experience with the diet’, ‘App evaluation’, and one theme from interviews with healthcare practitioners ‘App evaluation’. Patients expressed frustration with current accessibility of dietary information along with the need for educational materials in the app. The review of the KELA.AE prototype was positive overall, and patients reported a willingness to use the app. Healthcare practitioners considered the app accurate, simple, and culturally sensitive but expressed concerns about app misuse and the replacement of healthcare practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: The KELA.AE app was found to be satisfactory and supportive of the participants' needs. Changes were made to the app as suggested during the interviews.

Public awareness and practical knowledge regarding Hepatitis A, B, and C: a two-country survey

To assess the level of public awareness and practical knowledge regarding Hepatitis A, B, and C in two low-endemic countries [Germany and The Netherlands]. Two large-scale surveys [N = 1989 and 668]. Although public awareness was high, practical knowledge regarding differences in the mode of transmission, consequences, and prevention was very low in both countries, especially among those with a lower level of education. Future public health initiatives are warranted to increase knowledge as a first step to empower people, especially those with a lower level of education