A Smart Mobile Health Tool Versus a Paper Action Plan to Support Self-Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations: Randomized Controlled Trial

• DOI: 10.2196/14408
• Publication Date: 2019-10-14T10:47:03Z
• Authors: Lonneke Boer; Erik Bischoff; Maarten van der H...; Peter Lucas; Reinier Akkermans; Jan Vercoulen; Yvonne Heijdra; Willem Assendelft; Tjard Schermer
• Keywords: Self-Management; mHealth; Disease management

Background Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffer from exacerbations, a worsening of their respiratory symptoms that warrants medical treatment. Exacerbations are often poorly recognized or managed by patients, leading to increased burden and health care costs. Objective This study aimed examine the effects smart mobile (mHealth) tool supports COPD in self-management exacerbations providing predictions early exacerbation onset timely treatment advice without interference professionals. Methods In multicenter, 2-arm randomized controlled trial 12-months follow-up, used mHealth (intervention group) paper action plan (control when they experienced symptoms. For our primary outcome exacerbation-free time, expressed as weeks exacerbation, we an automated telephone questionnaire system measure weekly actions. Secondary outcomes were status, self-efficacy, behavior, utilization, usability. analyses, negative binomial regression, multilevel logistic generalized estimating equation regression models. Results Of 87 recruited secondary centers, 43 intervention group. We found no statistically significant differences between group control (mean 30.6, SD 13.3 vs mean 28.0, 14.8 weeks, respectively; rate ratio 1.21; 95% CI 0.77-1.91) utilization. Patients using valued it more supportive than plan. considered usability good. Conclusions did not show beneficial on utilization compared use Participants positive about function tool. may be valuable alternative for who prefer digital instead Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02553096; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02553096.