Do parents/carers of infants with non IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) find smartphone delivered dietitian support acceptable and engaging?

ABSTRACT

Background: The role of technology in allergy care is evolving and since the COVID pandemic there has been even more reliance on remote care delivery to support patients. Within food allergy, there are many apps which include food scanners, symptoms trackers and food diaries, however many lack clinical validation and individualised support from a health professional. This service evaluation aimed to determine the acceptability of using a NHS Digital-approved smartphone app to support the dietetic management of non IgE mediated CMPA, whilst exploring in-app behaviours of parents/carers. Method: A remote dietitian-led CMPA service supports parent/ carers through a rapid access clinic (referrals were received from primary/community/hospital providers). Infants are assessed by a specialist paediatric dietitian via a video or telephone call, with follow up provided through the smartphone app. Parents/carers uses the app to send text-communication to the dietitian, log their infants meals and symptoms, and access learning content through 'learn' feature which includes podcasts and factsheets on the reintroduction challenge, introduction of solids and the milk ladder. In-app data and evaluation surveys from service users between January and December 2020 were collected and analysed. Results: A total of 349 patients were referred into the service, with 321 (90%) opting to use the app for follow up. On average patients are within the service for 6-12 months Of the 321, 70% viewed the 'learn' section to support advice given by the dietitian The most commonly used app feature was messaging to the dietitian, with an average 240 messages sent each month (4 per patient/month) 52% of parent/carers logged meals or symptoms through the app Of the patients giving feedback (n = 80), 100% either agreed/ strongly agreed that they found the app simple to use 100% of patients found the app to be a convenient way of receiving advice and support from their dietitian 100% of parents/carers rated their experience as good or very good Conclusion: Parents/carers of infants with non IgE mediated CMPA find dietitian care delivered via a smartphone app acceptable and engaging. Further research is needed into potential cost-effective benefits of such apps. (Figure Presented).