Acceptability of an interstage home monitoring mobile application for caregivers of children with single ventricle physiology: Toward technology-integrated family management

Abstract

Purpose

Infants with single ventricle physiology experience numerous vulnerable transitions, and the interstage period for shunt-dependent children represents the time of highest risk for morbidity and mortality. Data exchange, physiological monitoring, and communication between clinicians and caregivers through interstage home monitoring are critical. The purpose of this study is to report on the acceptability of a technology-enhanced home monitoring mobile application for interstage family management of children with single ventricle physiology.

Design and Methods

This study employed a qualitative descriptive study design and recruited caregivers that were part of a broader quality improvement project where they were beta users of a mobile health application specifically developed for the interstage home monitoring time period.

Results

Eleven caregivers were enrolled in this study that was a part of the early phases of beta testing the mobile application from a human-centered design perspective. In general, the participants had a favorable sentiment toward the technology-integrated family management aspects that the mobile application allowed for during the interstage process. The acceptability findings can be organized through the following themes: time needed for mobile application, family as integrated members of care team, connectedness and confidence, and resolving technical issues.

Conclusions

Evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of this technology from the perspective of family/caregivers is a critical component of human-centered design. The integration of technology-facilitated communication shows immense promise for patient populations undergoing vulnerable transitions in care. Future study is needed to determine the role mobile applications have in improved clinical outcomes, enhanced provider clinical-decision support, and family engagement in care.