ABSTRACT
This article presents a comprehensive and multistage approach to the development of the user experience (UX) for an mHealth application targeting older adult patients with chronic diseases, specifically chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study adopts a mixed methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative components. The underlying hypothesis posits that baseline medicine adherence knowledge (measured by the MARS questionnaire), beliefs about medicines (measured by the BMQ questionnaire), and level of user experience (measured by the SUS and UEQ questionnaires) act as predictors of adherence change after a period of usage of the mHealth application. However, contrary to our expectations, the results did not demonstrate the anticipated relationship between the variables examined. Nevertheless, the qualitative component of the research revealed that patients, in general, expressed satisfaction with the application. It is important to note that the pilot testing phase revealed a notable prevalence of technical issues, which may have influenced participants' perception of the overall UX. These findings contribute to the understanding of UX development in the context of mHealth applications for older adults with chronic diseases and emphasise the importance of addressing technical challenges to enhance user satisfaction and engagement.
ABSTRACT
Chronic heart failure (HF), like any chronic disease, is a medical and socioeconomic burden. The number of patients with HF is increasing and our effort is to apply the most effective way of care in practice, preferably together with using telemedicine. Early diagnosis, therapy establishment and reduction of rehospitalizations play the key role in HF management. For patients for whom we add telemedicine (telephone consultation, physiological data transfer, data transfer from implantable devices, teleconsultation) and especially if we are able to provide the background of a well-functioning telemedicine center that is able to respond promptly to the data, we can recognize and respond to the deterioration in health status in a timely manner. Telemedicine has benefit in all aspects of care mentioned above, but mostly in the reduction of re-hospitalizations, which is related to the reduction of morbidity and mortality. Telemedicine in HF is also cost-effective.
