Abstract
BackgroundAttempts to utilize eHealth in diabetes mellitus (DM) management have shown promising outcomes, mostly targeted at patients; however, few solutions have been designed for health care providers.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to conduct a feasibility project developing and evaluating a mobile clinical decision support system (CDSS) tool exclusively for health care providers to manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with DM.MethodsThe design process was based on the 3 key stages of the user-centered design framework. First, an exploratory qualitative study collected the experiences and views of DM specialist nurses regarding the use of mobile apps in clinical practice. Second, a CDSS tool was developed for the management of patients with DM and CKD. Finally, a randomized controlled trial examined the acceptability and impact of the tool.ResultsWe interviewed 15 DM specialist nurses. DM specialist nurses were not currently using eHealth solutions in their clinical practice, while most nurses were not even aware of existing medical apps. However, they appreciated the potential benefits that apps may bring to their clinical practice. Taking into consideration the needs and preferences of end users, a new mobile CDSS app, “Diabetes & CKD,” was developed based on guidelines. We recruited 39 junior foundation year 1 doctors (44% male) to evaluate the app. Of them, 44% (17/39) were allocated to the intervention group, and 56% (22/39) were allocated to the control group. There was no significant difference in scores (maximum score=13) assessing the management decisions between the app and paper-based version of the app’s algorithm (intervention group: mean 7.24 points, SD 2.46 points; control group: mean 7.39, SD 2.56; t37=–0.19, P=.85). However, 82% (14/17) of the participants were satisfied with using the app.ConclusionsThe findings will guide the design of future CDSS apps for the management of DM, aiming to help health care providers with a personalized approach depending on patients’ comorbidities, specifically CKD, in accordance with guidelines.
Highlights
MethodsDiabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide
The findings will guide the design of future clinical decision support system (CDSS) apps for the management of diabetes mellitus (DM), aiming to help health care providers with a personalized approach depending on patients’ comorbidities, chronic kidney disease (CKD), in accordance with guidelines
Interviews were conducted with 15 DM specialist nurses from 4 hospitals and 2 community health centers across the West Midlands regarding the use of the mobile CDSS app
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. The World Health Organization estimated that 422 million adults worldwide had diabetes in 2014 and 1.5 million died from it in 2012, while DM became the 7th leading cause of death in 2016 [1]. Type 2 DM with chronic kidney disease (CKD) costs 49% more annually than type 2 DM without CKD [4]. Patient and health care education are important in diabetes care. A promising step is to consider using information technology in diabetes management, such as mobile apps and other eHealth solutions [7,8,9]. Attempts to utilize eHealth in diabetes mellitus (DM) management have shown promising outcomes, mostly targeted at patients; few solutions have been designed for health care providers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
