P197 Evaluating the patient experience of the Barts Health MySpA app for axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis

Abstract

Abstract Background/Aims In 2018, MySpA App was developed and launched by the Rheumatology team at Whipps Cross Hospital to empower patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in self-management of their condition. MySpA is an internationally available, free educational App providing instant access to evidence based medical information about axSpA and PsA. It includes a library of exercise videos created by specialist physiotherapists in axSpA, enabling patients and clinicians to build exercise programmes tailored to individual patient needs. Validated outcome measures can be completed by patients throughout the year, with the option of sharing those results with their rheumatology clinicians. Our objective was to evaluate patient opinion and usefulness of MySpA among our patients. Methods Two years since MySpA was launched at BSR, an online questionnaire was sent to 198 patients with axSpA and PsA from Whipps Cross Rheumatology Service. The questions enquired about awareness of MySpA for download and use amongst patients with managing their condition. Results Overall response was 36% (n = 72). 61% (n = 44) of the patients responded had downloaded MySpA with 64%(n = 28) of those patients using the app throughout the year. The majority that had not downloaded, were not aware the app existed (70%). All features within the app were used, with the axSpA and PsA Information section and exercise library most popular with comments “I use my exercise plan daily” and “great app.” 53% of patients used the app as an educational resource and 46% used the exercise library tailored to their own needs. The most common reason for not using the app was forgetting (29%). The majority (91%) would recommend MySpA to other patients with axSpA and PsA, with 63% reported MySpA supported them managing their condition. Conclusion MySpA is well received by patients with axSpA and PsA at Whipps Cross Hospital as a resource where they find specialist support, information and exercise guidance to empower management. It provides a useful virtual tool to assist patients take control of their arthritis and track and monitor their condition and has been particularly useful in this regard during the Covid pandemic. Patients used the facility to complete and share their assessment results and journal logs virtually with their healthcare team. However, continual awareness of MySpA amongst patients and clinicians is required to enable the opportunity to utilise instant specialist support and direction that may help patients manage their condition. The usefulness of the virtual monitoring feature of the app amongst clinicians should be explored in future research. Disclosure R. Adshead: None. S. Donnelly: None. M. Shaikh: None.