There are five key themes mHealth developers must consider to improve engagement with adolescent users in need of self-management support, according to a study published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth.
The researchers — led by Roxanna M. Bendixen, PhD, an occupational therapy researcher at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences — enrolled 11 caregivers and 16 adolescents with brain and spinal cord anomalies into six focus groups. The researchers gathered input on how mHealth apps can best support daily self-management routines for adolescents with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
Through focus groups and surveys, the majority of participants confirmed they keep their mobile phone with them at all times to access functions like social media, photos and music. The researchers identified five overarching themes for mHealth developers targeting this population.
1. Make it easy
2. Engage
3. Educate and prepare
4. Motivate and support
5. Personalize
"Our qualitative analysis indicates that youth and young adults with [brain and spinal cord anomalies], as well as their caregivers, acknowledge the importance of being actively engaged in developing and using mHealth apps that monitor and manage their healthcare needs," the study authors concluded.