Patients' attitudes toward their health literacy and the use of digital apps in health and disease management.

BACKGROUND: No qualitative studies have so far been conducted about patients' attitudes and perceptions toward their own health literacy and the use of digital apps in health and disease management based in Austria. AIM: In the context of digital apps, what are patients' attitudes and perceptions with regard to their own health literacy? METHOD: Guided interviews were conducted with patients in an Austrian hospital to obtain qualitative data. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. FINDINGS: Responses to the research questions fell into three main categories: 'health', 'health literacy' and 'digital applications in health and disease management', with each having its own set of subcategories. Digital apps appear to be an important strategy for helping patients optimise their own health literacy, as well as their health or disease management. Challenges referred to the handling of sensitive data or the possibility of publishing unfiltered information. CONCLUSION: Further studies need to be carried out to gain a more detailed understanding of the findings. Personal experience plays an important role in supporting quantitative findings.

Multiprofessional COPD care in Austria-challenges and approaches : Results of a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequent disease of the lungs. Its prevalence was estimated to be 26% in the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) I and 11% for GOLD II-IV in Austria. Globally, it ranks third in mortality rate. The particular challenge is that care for these patients falls short due to the lack of structured integrated care. The aim was to assess the current status of multiprofessional COPD care in Austria and identify gaps and potentials. METHODS: We conducted guided focus group interviews between March and July 2016 addressing current COPD care and treatment gaps with the following professional and interest groups: general practitioners, nurses, patients, pharmacists, physiotherapists and pulmonologists. We interviewed 23 patients and 27 healthcare professionals. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded into 12 relevant categories. RESULTS: There needs to be a shift in thinking from treatment-based care to prevention. Patients, just like healthcare professionals, need periodic updates and comprehensive information on this disease. Creating internet platforms with useful information for COPD patients and solving the data privacy issues of the Austrian electronic medical record (ELGA) are also perceived as viable steps. There is a need and request for healthcare professionals to work as a team with clear COPD management guidelines in the outpatient sector, the establishment of outpatient rehabilitation centers as well as creating a new professional profile, the COPD nurse. CONCLUSION: Current COPD care needs to be reorganized, particularly in the outpatient sector, to address the needs of patients and healthcare professionals.