Patient motivation as a predictor of digital health intervention effects: A meta-epidemiological study of cancer trials

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306772
• Publication Date: 2024-07-08T18:47:57Z
• Authors: Yuqian Yan; Jesús López-Alcalde; Elena Stallings; Elena Jimenez Tejero; Claudia M. Witt; Jürgen Barth
• Keywords: Attrition

The objective of this meta-epidemiological study was to develop a rating that captures participants’ motivation at the level in digital health intervention (DHI) randomised controlled trials (RCTs). used investigate whether is associated with effect estimates DHI RCTs for cancer patients. development based on bottom-up approach involving collection information baseline empirical studies from Smartphone-RCCT Database. We specified three indicators rating: indicator 1 team actively selects or enhances potential participants; 2 active engagement before treatment allocation; and 3 bond trust between participants person/institution referring study. each overall varies high motivation, moderate low motivation. applied across 27 performed meta-regression analysis examine patient quality life (QoL), psychological outcomes, attrition. intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) indicated poor inter-rater reliability. showed patients’ engaging QoL. Patient not found be outcomes Subgroup analyses revealed clinical effects DHIs were more prevalent high-motivation subgroups, whereas low-motivation subgroups unlikely show benefits. likelihood dropouts seems especially among low-bond (indicator 3) subgroup. suggest using single since they reflect specific content. Better reporting about required enable meaningful interpretations only primary but also evidence syntheses.