Use Of Mobile Phone Applications Research Articles

The Support for New Mums Project: A protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial designed to test a postnatal psychoeducation smartphone application.

To report a pilot trial protocol for testing the effectiveness of the Support for New Mums smartphone application in a cohort of first-time mothers. A pilot/feasibility randomized controlled trial using a two-group pre-test and repeated post-test design. This protocol follows the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Intervention Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines. The Intervention group will receive access to the smartphone application for 6weeks post birth. Both Intervention and control groups will receive standardized institutional postnatal care services. Trial funding was gained from respective grant sponsors in May and November 2016. The Support for New Mums smartphone application could be a novel method for addressing the gap in provision of postpartum care services providing psychoeducation and improving maternal parental self-efficacy for Australian childbearing women. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001580268.

THE EFFECT OF USING WHATSAPP MESSENGER ON STUDENTS’ SPEAKING ACHIEVEMENT AT THE SECOND GRADE STUDENTS OF MADRASAH ALIYAH NEGERI (MAN) 1 KENDARI

The use of technology in teaching and learning is an important aspect which has received considerable attention in recent years. In a similar sense, the use of mobile phone application especially WhatsApp messenger to increase effectiveness of instruction has been acknowledged through a number of studies carried out so far. This study was conducted to find the effect of using WhatsApp Messenger on students’ speaking achievement at the second grade students of Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 1 Kendari. The research question is that “Is there any significant effect of using WhatsApp messenger on students’ speaking achievement at the second grade students of Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 1 Kendari?” This study used a quantitative approach by applying a comparative study. The participants of the study consisted of 60 students who were in two different classes: class XI IPA 2 as the experimental class and class XI IPA 4 as the control class. The experimental class consisted of 30 students taught in a combination method (WhatsApp Messenger and discussion method) while the control class consisted of 30 students taught through using a conventional method. The results of this study showed that there were differences in the speaking achievement of the students in the experimental class and the control class. This difference was in favor of the experimental class. The value of Chi-Square count is 28.486 and the Chi-Square Table is 19.675. So the H1 accepted and H0 is rejected . The differences between the two classes indicated that integrating the WhatsApp application in teaching English language improved speaking achievement of the students of the experimental class. Keywords: WhatsApp Messenger, Discussion, Speaking achievement.

Usability Evaluation Metrics of Tourism Mobile Applications

The use of mobile phone applications for our touristic activity is very common nowadays with the simplification of smartphones. The tourism mobile applications currently can be argued to be one of the most useful applications that can facilitate the movement of travelers. However, existing usability evaluation metrics are too general to be applied to a more specific application, such as mobile tourism application. Thus, the objective of the study is to propose usability evaluation metrics for tourism mobile applications. The study employs four phases: identifying problem and the objective, encompassing the techniques of developing usability measurement of metrics, selecting the usability metrics of tourism mobile application and conducting expert review and verification. The verification phase was conducted using expert review approach to measure the proposed metrics in terms of its consistency ease of use, understandable, verifiable and overall impression. The finding revealed that the proposed metrics have been well received by the experts in terms of consistency, ease to use, understandable, verifiability and overall impression. Finally, this study presented usability metrics for the tourism mobile applications that can be used by designers or usability practitioners in creating a useable mobile application for the tourists.

Mobile phone application for mathematics learning

This research was aimed to determine the role of the use of Mobile Phone Application (MPA) in Mathematics learning. The Pre and Post-test Quasy Experiment method was applied. The Pre-test was performed to understand the initial capability. In contrast, the Post-test was selected to identify changes in student ability after they were introduced to the application of Mobile Technology. Student responses to the use of this application were evaluated by a questionnaire. Based on the questionnaire, high scores were achieved, indicating the student's interest in this application. Also, learning results showed significant improvement in the learning achievement and the student learning behaviour. It was concluded that education supported by the MPA application gave a positive impact on learning outcomes as well as learning atmosphere both in class and outside the classroom.

Using Mobile Phone to Overcome Students’ Anxiety in Speaking English

The goal of this research is to discover whether the use of mobile phone can minimize students’ anxiety in speaking English and in turn will improve their speaking skill. Anxiety has become a major problem for students when asked to speak in a speaking class. Using quasi experimental method, the data of this research was collected through questionnaire of foreign language anxiety classroom scale, and oral test for speaking ability. Factorial design 2 x2 using ANOVA is used to analyze the data of this research. The result has shown: (1) the score of students’ learning achievement in speaking English who were taught by using mobile phone application was higher than the students’ who were taught by using conventional teaching. It means that the use of mobile phone application results in better influence towards students’ speaking ability; (2) The learning achievement of the students with high anxiety in speaking English who were taught by using mobile phone application was higher than the high-anxiety students who were taught by conventional teaching; (3) The learning achievement in speaking English of low anxiety students who were taught by using mobile phone application was higher than low anxiety students’ who were taught by conventional teaching.

'Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator' mobile applications (Apps): a systematic review and scoring using the validated user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS).

The use of mobile phone applications (Apps) has modernised the conventional practice of medicine. The diagnostic ability of the current Apps in prostate specific antigen monitoring, and its diagnostic ability within prostate cancer (PCa) risk calculators have not yet been appraised. We aimed to review, rate and assess the everyday functionality, and utility of all the currently available PCa risk calculator Apps. A systematic search on iTunes, Google Play Store, Blackberry World and Windows Apps Store, was performed on 23/11/2017, using the search term 'prostate cancer risk calculator'. After applying the exclusion criteria, each App was individually assessed and rated using pre-set criteria and grading was performed using the validated uMARS scale. In total, 83 Apps were retrieved. After applying our exclusion criteria, only 9 Apps were relevant, with 2 duplicated, and the remaining 7 were suitable for critical review. Data sizes ranged from 414kb to 10.1Mb. The cost of the Apps ranged from South African rand (ZAR) 0.00 to ZAR 29.99. The overall mean category uMARS scores ranged from 2.8/5 to 4.5/5. Apps such as Rotterdam Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator, Coral-Prostate Cancer Nomogram Calculator and CPC Risk Calculator, performed the best. The current PCa risk calculator mobile Apps available may be beneficial in counselling the concerned at risk patient. These Apps have potential to assist both the patient and the urologist alike. The PCa risk calculator App 'predictability' may be further enhanced by the incorporation of newly validated risk factors and predictors for PCa.

Identifying factors associated with sleep disturbances among health workers using WhatsApp in Malaysia

Background: The intricate demand of 24/7 work-lifestyle in modern medical practice has prompted health care professionals to adopt the ubiquity of smartphones for virtual communications through multiple apps functionality like WhatsApp. While these mobile apps have shown a commensurate increase globally, studies have hypothesized that such technological addictions could potentially harm individual’s sleep health. This preliminary investigation aims to explore the prevalence and factors associated with sleep disturbances (subjective poor sleep quality and perceived excessive daytime sleepiness) among health care workers using WhatsApp in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 306 health care workers comprising of doctors and nurses in a Malaysian public health hospital. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of items on socio-demographics, WhatsApp usage characteristics, perceived sleep disturbances, addictive lifestyles and validated items on psychological factors was used. Data were analyzed at descriptive, univariate and multivariate logistic regression levels. Results: The prevalence of sleep disturbances among health workers using WhatsApp in our study sample was relatively high. In multivariate analyses, respondents aged 30 years or younger and those being anxious when denied access to “WhatsApp-ing” activities had significantly higher odds of experiencing poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. Women had significantly higher odds of experiencing poor sleep quality than men. Respondents who initiate WhatsApp-ing activities immediately after sleep experienced significantly higher odds of excessive daytime sleepiness as compared to those who don’t. Conclusions: Perceived sleep disturbances among health workers in our sample was significantly associated with demographics, usage characteristics and psychological factors. It warrants further robust research as the use of mobile phone applications among health workers is rising exponentially.

Aplicaciones móviles en la enfermedad de Parkinson: una revisión sistemática

IntroductionParkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. However, diagnosing, assessing, and treating these patients is a complex process requiring continuous monitoring. In this context, smartphones may be useful in the management of patients with PD. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review of the literature addressing the use of mobile phone applications (apps) in PD. Materials and methodsWe conducted a literature search of articles published in English or Spanish between 2011 and 2016 analysing or validating apps specifically designed for or useful in PD. In addition, we searched for apps potentially useful for PD patients in the leading app stores. ConclusionsThe literature and app searches yielded a total of 125 apps, 56 of which were classified as potentially useful in PD and 69 as specifically designed for PD (23 information apps, 29 assessment apps, 13 treatment apps, and 4 assessment and treatment apps). Numerous mobile apps are potentially useful in or specifically designed for PD management. However, scientific evidence of their usefulness is scarce and of poor quality. Further studies are needed to validate these tools and regulate their use.

Users of the main smartphone operating systems (iOS, Android) differ only little in personality

The increasingly widespread use of mobile phone applications (apps) as research tools and cost-effective means of vast data collection raises new methodological challenges. In recent years, it has become a common practice for scientists to design apps that run only on a single operating system, thereby excluding large numbers of users who use a different operating system. However, empirical evidence investigating any selection biases that might result thereof is scarce. Henceforth, we conducted two studies drawing from a large multi-national (Study 1; N = 1,081) and a German-speaking sample (Study 2; N = 2,438). As such Study 1 compared iOS and Android users across an array of key personality traits (i.e., well-being, self-esteem, willingness to take risks, optimism, pessimism, Dark Triad, and the Big Five). Focusing on Big Five personality traits in a broader scope, in addition to smartphone users, Study 2 also examined users of the main computer operating systems (i.e., Mac OS, Windows). In both studies, very few significant differences were found, all of which were of small or even tiny effect size mostly disappearing after sociodemographics had been controlled for. Taken together, minor differences in personality seem to exist, but they are of small to negligible effect size (ranging from OR = 0.919 to 1.344 (Study 1), ηp2 = .005 to .036 (Study 2), respectively) and may reflect differences in sociodemographic composition, rather than operating system of smartphone users.

Mobile Health (mHealth) Technology for the Management of Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia: Slow Start but Loads of Potential.

Hypertension and hyperlipidemia represent two major risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Mobile health or mHealth is defined as the use of mobile phone and wireless technologies to support the achievement of health objectives. Management of hypertension, and to some extent hyperlipidemia, has often employed mHealth interventions given lower cost and greater patient engagement compared to traditional methods. These interventions include the use of text messaging, wireless devices, and mobile phone applications. This review considers recent studies evaluating the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in the management of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Numerous studies have evaluated the role of mHealth interventions in the management of hypertension, while very few have evaluated their role in hyperlipidemia. Text messaging has been used most frequently. However, the trend is shifting towards the use of mobile phone applications and wireless devices. Interventions in developing countries have been modified for greater applicability to local settings. mHealth interventions were found to be frequently effective. However, studies comparing the relative efficacy of various mHealth strategies are scarce. Long-term cardiovascular outcomes data and analyses relating to cost effectiveness are also lacking. mHealth interventions may be effective in improving hypertension management. More studies are needed to evaluate the role of mHealth strategies in hyperlipidemia management, particularly in identifying high-risk individuals and improving medication adherence. Studies assessing the long-term impact of these interventions, comparing different interventions and analyzing their relative cost effectiveness, are also needed. Following recently published guidelines on reporting results of mHealth interventions will provide a more meaningful context for interpreting these promising early studies.

Building agricultural networks of farmers and scientists via mobile phones: case study of banana disease surveillance in Uganda

ABSTRACTAn important challenge threatening agriculture in Africa is the difficulty in collecting timely data on disease spread and effectiveness of on-farm control methods. This study served as a case study for assessing the viability of a participatory GIS (Geographic Information System) to enable a plant diagnostics network with fieldworkers. The use of mobile phone applications and a centralized database were integrated to provide a blueprint for how a range of agriculture-focused field organizations can collect data, explain events, predict outcomes and adapt and refine strategies with more accurate, cost-efficient and timely information. Over the course of 2 months, 38 Community Knowledge Workers (CKWs) using mobile phones, MTN Mobile Internet and GPS devices collected 3018 surveys documenting the presence/absence of three banana diseases: Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW), Fusarium Wilt (FW) and Banana Bunchy Top disease (BBTD) in Bushenyi and Mbale districts in Uganda. Costs were saved by only mobilizing CKWs who then trained the communities on methods of banana disease detection, preventative measures and disease control procedures; only when doubts over identification or control occurred did the IITA and NARO technical team then prioritize visits. Although the CKWs provided an efficient and cost-effective information channel that can be leveraged to integrate the efforts of scientists with the needs of rural communities, there were significant gaps in prior farmer knowledge on the three targeted diseases, including how to identify or control them, despite extensive awareness campaigns preceding this initiative. Factsheets used for reference following training greatly improved CKW prior knowledge of disease recognition and control methods; hence, 90% of the surveys conducted during the second month met the data quality standards based on survey completeness, GPS accuracy and quality of symptomatic plant photos. There was significant and consistent demand by farmers for CKW services throughout the pilot period. In-depth training and continuous support of CKWs is thus essential. The technology infrastructure is scalable, and further integration of technology components promises a customizable web-based tool for data collection, GIS analysis, information dissemination and management of agriculture extension operations.

UG2 Grindr© use by men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with high rates of bacterial sexually transmitted infections

Background/introduction Mobile Phone ‘apps’ such as grindr© are becoming a more frequent and convenient way to meet sexual partners and may be a reason why sexually transmitted infections(STI) are increasing in MSM. Methods From November 2015 to February 2016, a paper survey was distributed to MSM attending local sexual health services on acceptability of local service, including use of mobile phone applications to meet sexual partners. National Student Pride also used an online version of the survey. Results 1186 MSM were included in the analysis of this survey. The median age was 26.8 years (18–89). 1026/1186 (86.5%) self-identified as gay, 108/1186 (9.1%) bisexual and 34/1186 (2.9%) straight. 918/1186 (77.4%) were HIV-negative, 42/1186 (3.5%) HIV-positive, 188/1186 (15.9%) never tested, and 38/1186 (3.2%) unknown status. 200/1186 (16.9%) of respondents reported a bacterial STI within the past 12 months: 116/1186 (9.8%) had gonorrhoea, 96/1186 (8.1%) chlamydia and 26/1186 (2.2%) syphilis. Reported use of grindr© was: 372/1186 (31.4%) more than once/day, 168/1186 (14.2%) more than once/week 124/1186 (10.5%) more than once/month. Those who used grindr© more than once per day reported having had gonorrhoea (62/372:16.7%), chlamydia (50/372:13.4%) and syphilis (16/372:4.3%) in the past 12 months. 80/116 (70.0%), 64/96 (67%) and 16/26 (62%) MSM who reported having gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis in the past 12 months reported using grindr© at least once a month. MSM were significantly more likely to report having gonorrhoea and chlamydia (but not syphilis) in the past 12 months using grindr© at least once per month compared to never using grindr(t-test = 2.79; p = 0.003), (t-test = 2.20; p = 0.028), (t-tst = 0.58; p = 0.565). Discussion/conclusion Use of the mobile phone application grindr© is associated with acquisition of bacterial STIs. Public health interventions to reduce STI rates in MSM should include using appropriate social media.

Mobile exercising and tweeting the pounds away: The use of digital applications and microblogging and their association with disordered eating and compulsive exercise

AbstractIn recent years, content featuring fitspiration messages on blogs and microblogs has increased. In addition, the use of mobile phone applications to monitor diet and exercise has also seen greater adoption. This study examined the association between consumption of various types of social media and reports of disordered eating and compulsive exercising. The sample consisted of 262 participants who completed an online questionnaire that included questions related to exercise and eating habits, as well as the frequency of use of traditional blogs, microblogs, and mobile phone applications featuring nutritional and exercise-related content. Results showed that the use of mobile phone applications and microblogs were significantly and positively associated with reports of disordered eating. Further, the use of mobile phone applications was also significantly and positively associated with compulsive exercise behaviors. However, the use of traditional blogs was not significantly associated with unhealt...

MHealth to promote pregnancy and interconception health among African-American women at risk for adverse birth outcomes: a pilot study.

The use of mobile phone applications (mHealth) to provide health education and behavioral prompts is 1 of the 12 common mHealth functions identified by the World Health Organization as innovations to strengthen health systems. Among low-income pregnant and parenting women, health education is widely recognized as a way to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, but the efficacy of written health education materials to change knowledge and behavior for this population is questionable. mHealth prompts, in contrast, is a promising alternative. A team of researchers in medicine/epidemiology, anthropology/midwifery, computer science/sensors, and community-based case management created and pilot tested a mHealth application (mHealth app) for African-American women at high risk for adverse birth outcomes. We tested the acceptability and feasibility of the interactive application among women during the reproductive stages of early and late pregnancy, postpartum, and interconception. Interview data from 14 women in the various reproductive stages revealed that most women found the mHealth messages helpful. Also, 62 Ob-Gyn physicians and nurses and 19 Family Medicine residents provided feedback. Women's responses to specific messages trended down over time. Women in the postpartum phase had the highest response rate to particular text messages, followed by those in the pregnancy phase. Responses dropped off dramatically during the interconception period. About 21% of women lost their phones. Unexpected findings were that all participants already had smartphones, women wanted messages about depression, and clinicians wanted the app to link to case management for individualized medical care. Logistical challenges to app management were limitations but are useful for consideration before scale-up. This study corroborates findings in the health literacy literature that women most at risk for adverse birth outcomes need additional face-to-face support with mHealth applications.

Feasibility of "CopeSmart": A Telemental Health App for Adolescents.

BackgroundEarly intervention is important in order to improve mental health outcomes for young people. Given the recent rise in mobile phone ownership among adolescents, an innovative means of delivering such intervention is through the use of mobile phone applications (apps).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of “CopeSmart”, a telemental health app developed to foster positive mental health in adolescents through emotional self-monitoring and the promotion of positive coping strategies.MethodsForty-three adolescents (88% female) aged 15-17 years downloaded the app and used it over a one-week period. They then completed self-report questionnaires containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions about their experiences of using the app. The app itself captured data related to user engagement.ResultsOn average participants engaged with the app on 4 of the 7 days within the intervention period. Feedback from users was reasonably positive, with 70% of participants reporting that they would use the app again and 70% reporting that they would recommend it to a friend. Thematic analysis of qualitative data identified themes pertaining to users’ experiences of the app, which were both positive (eg, easy to use, attractive layout, emotional self-monitoring, helpful information, notifications, unique) and negative (eg, content issues, did not make user feel better, mood rating issues, password entry, interface issues, engagement issues, technical fixes).ConclusionsOverall findings suggest that telemental health apps have potential as a feasible medium for promoting positive mental health, with the majority of young people identifying such technologies as at least somewhat useful and displaying a moderate level of engagement with them. Future research should aim to evaluate the efficacy of such technologies as tools for improving mental health outcomes in young people.

U2 What do men who have sex with men (MSM) taking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for hiv following sexual exposure report about their recent sexual risk-taking behaviour?

Background/introduction High-risk sexual behaviour plays a significant role in the increasing incidence of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK, despite the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure(PEPSE). Aim(s)/objectives Behavioural interventions to encourage safer sexual practices need to be effective and acceptable for their target population. Therefore, this study aims to identify the attitudes and interpretation of risk of MSM taking PEPSE. Methods Data was collected as part of an ongoing randomised controlled trial evaluating a psychological intervention in reducing risk behaviour amongst MSM prescribed PEPSE. The intervention group received two 30-minute telephone interventions implementing augmented motivational interviewing. In this study, 30 participants were selected from the intervention arm and their interventions analysed for thematic content. Results Themes included: circumstances of event that led to PEPSE; participant’s interpretation of risk; emotions associated with risk; disclosure of HIV status; value attributed to consequences of risk; and reason for seeking PEPSE. Discussion/conclusion Risks were mostly reported in the context of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with casual partners, without discussion of HIV status. One theme that arose was the use of mobile-phone applications to seek casual sexual partners. Reasons given for engaging in UAI included anxiety over suggesting condom use, engaging in UAI as a form of “self-harm”, and alcohol intoxication. Concern about the morbidity and stigma associated with HIV and the desire for relationships were motivating factors for avoiding HIV. PEPSE was frequently described as an insight into life-long antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection.

Smartphones for Smarter Delivery of Mental Health Programs: A Systematic Review

BackgroundThe rapid growth in the use of mobile phone applications (apps) provides the opportunity to increase access to evidence-based mental health care.ObjectiveOur goal was to systematically review the research evidence supporting the efficacy of mental health apps for mobile devices (such as smartphones and tablets) for all ages.MethodsA comprehensive literature search (2008-2013) in MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, PsycTESTS, Compendex, and Inspec was conducted. We included trials that examined the effects of mental health apps (for depression, anxiety, substance use, sleep disturbances, suicidal behavior, self-harm, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, stress, and gambling) delivered on mobile devices with a pre- to posttest design or compared with a control group. The control group could consist of wait list, treatment-as-usual, or another recognized treatment.ResultsIn total, 5464 abstracts were identified. Of those, 8 papers describing 5 apps targeting depression, anxiety, and substance abuse met the inclusion criteria. Four apps provided support from a mental health professional. Results showed significant reductions in depression, stress, and substance use. Within-group and between-group intention-to-treat effect sizes ranged from 0.29-2.28 and 0.01-0.48 at posttest and follow-up, respectively.ConclusionsMental health apps have the potential to be effective and may significantly improve treatment accessibility. However, the majority of apps that are currently available lack scientific evidence about their efficacy. The public needs to be educated on how to identify the few evidence-based mental health apps available in the public domain to date. Further rigorous research is required to develop and test evidence-based programs. Given the small number of studies and participants included in this review, the high risk of bias, and unknown efficacy of long-term follow-up, current findings should be interpreted with caution, pending replication. Two of the 5 evidence-based mental health apps are currently commercially available in app stores.

LESSONS LEARNED ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH FROM ONLINE CROWD SURVEILLANCE.

The Internet has forever changed the way people access information and make decisions about their healthcare needs. Patients now share information about their health at unprecedented rates on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook and on medical discussion boards. In addition to explicitly shared information about health conditions through posts, patients reveal data on their inner fears and desires about health when searching for health-related keywords on search engines. Data are also generated by the use of mobile phone applications that track users' health behaviors (e.g., eating and exercise habits) as well as give medical advice. The data generated through these applications are mined and repackaged by surveillance systems developed by academics, companies, and governments alike to provide insight to patients and healthcare providers for medical decisions. Until recently, most Internet research in public health has been surveillance focused or monitoring health behaviors. Only recently have researchers used and interacted with the crowd to ask questions and collect health-related data. In the future, we expect to move from this surveillance focus to the "ideal" of Internet-based patient-level interventions where healthcare providers help patients change their health behaviors. In this article, we highlight the results of our prior research on crowd surveillance and make suggestions for the future.

Use and Acceptance of Electronic Communication by Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Multicenter Questionnaire Study

BackgroundThe number of multiple sclerosis (MS) information websites, online communities, and Web-based health education programs has been increasing. However, MS patients’ willingness to use new ways of communication, such as websites, mobile phone application, short message service, or email with their physician, remains unknown.ObjectivesWe designed a questionnaire to evaluate the a priori use of electronic communication methods by MS patients and to assess their acceptance of such tools for communication with their health care providers.MethodsWe received complete data from 586 MS patients aged between 17 and 73 years. Respondents were surveyed in outpatient clinics across Germany using a novel paper-and-pencil questionnaire. In addition to demographics, the survey items queried frequency of use of, familiarity with, and comfort with using computers, websites, email, and mobile phones.ResultsAbout 90% of all MS patients used a personal computer (534/586) and the Internet (527/586) at least once a week, 87.0% (510/586) communicated by email, and 85.6% (488/570) communicated by mobile phone. When asked about their comfort with using electronic communication methods for communication with health care providers, 20.5% (120/586) accepted communication by mobile Internet application or short message service via mobile phone, 41.0% (240/586) by websites, 54.3% (318/586) by email service, and 67.8% (397/586) by at least one type of electronic communication. The level of a priori use was the best predictor for the acceptance of electronic communication with health care providers. Patients who reported already searching online for health information (odds ratio 2.4, P < .001) and who had already communicated with a physician through a website (odds ratio 3.3, P = .03) reported higher acceptance for Web-based communication. Patients who already scheduled appointments with their mobile phones (odds ratio 2.1, P = .002) were more likely to accept the use of mobile phone applications or short message service for communicating with their physician.ConclusionsThe majority of MS patients seen at specialist centers already use modern communication technology regularly. New forms of electronic communication appear to have high levels of acceptance for exchanging information about MS between patients and health care providers. Such methods should be integrated into eHealth services such as electronic health records and patient relationship management systems.