January 1, 2021Digital HealthOpen Access

A new smartphone application for integrated transmural care of atrial fibrillation, AF-EduApp: Usability and validation study

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Why the study?

Digital technology creates opportunities to support integrated atrial fibrillation management, motivating the development, evaluation, and validation of the AF-EduApp to improve self-care capabilities and therapy adherence.

Does the AF-EduApp demonstrate usability and functionality in atrial fibrillation patients and healthcare professionals?

Structured PICO

Does the AF-EduApp demonstrate usability and functionality in atrial fibrillation patients and healthcare professionals?

Population

15 healthcare professionals and 30 atrial fibrillation patients (10 in phase 1 validity evaluation, 20 in phase 2 pilot study)

Intervention

AF-EduApp, a smartphone application for integrated care and targeted atrial fibrillation education

Outcome

Usability and functionalitypatient reported

The AF-EduApp demonstrated positive usability and functionality among healthcare professionals and atrial fibrillation patients, supporting its potential for integrated AF management.

Implication

Supports app refinement for AF education; leaves open outcome benefits in larger prospective trials.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Digital technology creates the opportunity to develop and evaluate new tools, such as smartphone applications, to support integrated atrial fibrillation management. This study aimed to develop, evaluate, and validate a new, integrated care application (AF-EduApp) mainly focusing on targeted atrial fibrillation education to improve patient self-care capabilities and therapy adherence. METHODS: The newly developed AF-EduApp, available for Android and iOS, consists of six different modules. The prototype was validated and optimized for its usability and functionality at Jessa Hospital Hasselt and Antwerp University Hospital in two phases: (1) validity evaluation with interviews of an expert panel with 15 healthcare professionals and 10 atrial fibrillation patients, and (2) a pilot study of 1 month with 20 atrial fibrillation patients. RESULTS: = 0.013). DISCUSSION: The AF-EduApp received a positive evaluation from health professionals and atrial fibrillation patients. Further development should be focused on the medication module and improvement of the clinical dashboard.