Mobile application development through qualitative research in education program for chronic low back patients

Abstract

Low back pain is the most prevailing musculoskeletal disorders in developed countries, with lifetime prevalence of 84% in general adult population. In fact physical activity and exercise programs are the key therapeutic long-term strategy for people with this health condition. The latest advances in telecommunication technologies, in particular Smartphones and Connected Devices, as well as an increase in patient expectations for use of new technologies can be very useful in assessing of physical activity within this population. The current study aimed to investigate factors that could influence the use of mobile applications in order to increase the adherence to physical activity prescription in low back pain patients. It was designed according COREQ guidelines and compounded 2 groups: patients and therapists. Participants were enrolled in 2 tertiary care hospital (CHU de Clermont-Ferrand and CHU de Montpellier). In both centers, patients followed a 3-week rehabilitation program for chronic low back with health education component. Data collect was held through either individual or focus group interviews that were recorded and transcribed. Patients group compounded 18 persons: 12 men, 6 women (mean age 41.9 years; SD ± 6.8). Therapists group had 15 persons: 12 women, 3 men (mean age 34.4 years; SD ± 10.7). According to the study the main factors that have positive impact on the adherence and that are common for all participants are simple user interface, good information quality and low cost of material. Factors that can impair patient's adherence are one's low skills in informatics, therapist's lack of time and particular security considerations. Following components of mobile health application should be tailored according each user preferences: health care provider's feedback, self-monitoring, updates of the training program and social network. The main limit of present study is that participants were interviewed during rehabilitation program and did not have enough autonomy to reveal all potential barriers to their regular physical activity at home. In that respect, study will be completed with a patient's follow-up in real life condition and will be object of future research. The collected data also contributed to development of Smartphone Application eLombactif (Google Play Store).