EpApp: Development and evaluation of a smartphone/tablet app for adolescents with epilepsy

Abstract

The study aimed to comprehensively evaluate a mobile application (EpApp), designed with stakeholder input, to educate and facilitate management of adolescents with epilepsy. A prospective cohort of adolescents with epilepsy (13–19 years) and their parent/carer participated between June 2015 and December 2016. Primary outcome measure was knowledge acquisition. Secondary outcomes were psychosocial variables (attitude towards illness and seizure self-efficacy) and clinical parameters (medication adherence, seizure burden). Functionality, design, content and app utility were appraised via survey and open-ended questions. 51 adolescents completed baseline surveys (mean age 14.49 years), 36 follow-up surveys. Both self and general epilepsy knowledge increased following intervention (p ≤ 0.005). Significantly fewer medication reminders were required during intervention (M = 2.93, p = .002) and follow-up (M = 3.54, p = .030) compared to baseline (M = 6.64). Measures of app design, content, functionality and utility were very favourable. There was no significant improvement in seizure burden, or psychosocial parameters. Educational page-visits reflected interests and concerns. This study demonstrates that EpApp increases knowledge and is engaging. The app is available free, internationally via Android/Apple platforms.