Evaluation of Patient-facing Health Application Features to Support Self-management of People Living with Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – A Health-care Professional Perspective

Abstract

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a significant chronic disease worldwide. Effective self-management is essential for optimal glycemic control and preventing long-term complications in people with DM (PWD). In recent years, e-health applications have emerged to support the self-management of individuals with type 2 DM (T2DM) in particular regarding the evaluation of blood glucose (BG) levels. However, numerous challenges still exist. Aims and Objectives: This questionnaire-based study aimed to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding a novel e-health application to monitor BG levels using a smartphone camera that is designed for individuals with prediabetes or T2DM in low- and middle-income countries. Materials and Methods: An open-ended questionnaire guide was used to investigate the PWD’s needs from a health-care professional’s (HCP) perspective and the challenges that could be addressed by new features of the health application. Responses were graded on a 5-point ordinal scale and evaluated to identify advantages, disadvantages, and suggestions to improve the proposed features. Results: The HCPs highlighted the application’s simplicity and convenience of use, the mobile device-based measurement of BG ranges, the step-by-step guided features, and lifestyle advice. They suggested improvements such as a one-step handling approach and quantitative versus qualitative BG level assessment. Conclusion: It is expected that younger and technologically proficient individuals with T2DM will benefit the most from this application. However, further research is necessary to assess how the proposed features affect individuals’ empowerment in managing diabetes and the distress associated with the burden of self-management.