Feasibility of a Mobile App for Caregivers Preventing Pressure Ulcers in Vulnerable Outpatients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Introduction: Pressure ulcers are a significant health concern. In today's tech era, mobile health applications offer real-time data, efficient scheduling, and automation, leading to cost-effective care and improved patient satisfaction. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a novel preventive mobile health application named "PressureUlcerAdvisor," targeted at informal caregivers of outpatients at risk of developing pressure ulcers.Material and Methods: In this rigorous quasi-experimental study, 23 informal caregivers were assigned to the intervention group and 22 to the control group (n=45). Feasibility was assessed by considering app utility, ease of use, knowledge gaps in prevention, pressure ulcer rates, and caregivers' self-efficacy. Data was collected at baseline, two, and four months and analyzed using a combination of descriptive statistics and inferential analysis, ensuring the reliability and validity of the findings.Results: The study found a significant improvement in the prevention knowledge (p=0.040) and patient support efficacy (p=0.049) between the control and intervention groups. The control group did not show any progress, while the intervention group did. Notably, the initial acceptance of the app, though low, showed a promising upward trend, improving significantly after four months (p=0.010). Additionally, after four months, perceived usefulness was positively associated with patient support efficacy (r=0.40, p=0.05) despite the perceived ease of use remaining steady.Conclusion: This investigation suggests that the innovative preventative mobile health application, 'PressureUlcerAdvisor,' can be a game-changer for caregivers. It is well-received among caregivers caring for outpatients at risk of developing pressure ulcers. The study's positive outcomes, including a significant improvement in prevention knowledge and patient support efficacy, hint at the potential of this application to significantly aid caregivers' efforts in pressure ulcer prevention, empowering them with knowledge and tools to provide better care.