Abstract
BackgroundDespite the recent explosion of the mobile health (mHealth) industry and consumer acquisition of mHealth tools such as wearable sensors and applications (apps), limited information is known about how this technology can sustain health behavior change and be integrated into health care.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to understand potential users’ views of mHealth technology, the role this technology may have in promoting individual activity goals aimed at improving health, and the value of integrating mHealth technology with traditional health care.MethodsFour focus groups were conducted with adults interested in sharing their views on how mHealth technology could support wellness programs and improve health. Participants (n=30) were enrolled from an employee population at an academic health institution. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to code transcripts and identify overarching themes.ResultsOur findings suggest that tracking health data alone may result in heightened awareness of daily activity, yet may not be sufficient to sustain use of mHealth technology and apps, which often have low reuse rates. Participants suggested that context, meaning, and health care partnerships need to be incorporated to engage and retain users. In addition to these findings, drivers for mHealth technology previously identified in the literature, including integration and control of health data were confirmed in this study.ConclusionsThis study explores ways that mHealth technologies may be used to not only track data, but to encourage sustained engagement to achieve individual health goals. Implications of these findings include recommendations for mHealth technology design and health care partnership models to sustain motivation and engagement, allowing individuals to achieve meaningful behavior change.
Highlights
The Field of mobile health (mHealth) TechnologyMobile health technology has captured the attention of health care providers, health system researchers, and the technology industry because of its potential to improve health outcomes, health care services, and health research
This study contributes to our understanding of the desired technology and health care elements identified by potential users, which can bridge the gap between personal technology development and integration with the health care system
A better understanding of the underlying motivation of intended users of mHealth technology and health providers is essential for intervention success
Summary
The Field of mHealth TechnologyMobile health (mHealth) technology has captured the attention of health care providers, health system researchers, and the technology industry because of its potential to improve health outcomes, health care services, and health research. Despite the recent explosion of the mobile health (mHealth) industry and consumer acquisition of mHealth tools such as wearable sensors and applications (apps), limited information is known about how this technology can sustain health behavior change and be integrated into health care. Participants suggested that context, meaning, and health care partnerships need to be incorporated to engage and retain users In addition to these findings, drivers for mHealth technology previously identified in the literature, including integration and control of health data were confirmed in this study. Conclusions: This study explores ways that mHealth technologies may be used to track data, but to encourage sustained engagement to achieve individual health goals Implications of these findings include recommendations for mHealth technology design and health care partnership models to sustain motivation and engagement, allowing individuals to achieve meaningful behavior change
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