Abstract TP73: User-centered Mobile Applications For Stroke Survivors (MAPPS): A National Survey Of Patient Preferences

Abstract

Introduction: Existing mobile health (mHealth) smartphone applications (apps) for stroke survivors (SS) are poorly adopted. Little is known about SS’ perceptions and preferences for such apps. We conducted a national survey of SS' preferences for a hypothetical mHealth app for post-stroke care, and studied the influence of demographic variables on these preferences. Methods: Focus groups were conducted to identify SS perceptions and knowledge of mHealth apps. Using a grounded theory approach, recurring themes were identified. A multiple-choice questionnaire of five desired app features was generated using the themes. The national survey was mailed to SS (n= 11, 720) across the United States. Survey responses, demographic variables (age, sex, race), education, and time-since-stroke were recorded. Results: Ninety-six SS participated in focus groups. High cost, complexity of use, and lack of technical support were identified as possible impediments to adoption of mHealth apps. In the national survey (n=1,194, 10% response), ability to track fitness and diet (84%) and communicating with others (70%) emerged as the most and least useful app features, respectively. African-American and Hispanic SS found the app's features (all five) more useful compared to White SS (ORs 1.73 to 4.41). Stroke survivors with stroke greater than ten years ago deemed the features less useful compared to SS with stroke within one year (ORs 0.01 to 0.78). Perceived usefulness was higher in women ( P = 0.04 to <0.001) and younger SS ( P= 0.006 to <0.001) only in univariate analysis. Conclusion: Successful adoption of mHealth apps among SS will likely depend on app development that is driven by patient preferences and demographics. A patient-centered app may help address health disparities in post-stroke care.