Support needs of gout patients and suitability of eHealth to address these needs.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the support needs of patients with gout regarding information, communication, treatment and disease monitoring, and patients' views on and preferences for eHealth applications to address these needs.

Methods: A focus group study using purposive sampling was conducted. Three focus group sessions with a duration of 2 h per group were held with in total of 23 patients using urate-lowering therapy, recruited from primary and secondary care. Audio recordings were transcribed, and data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Eight themes were identified. Five themes addressed support needs of gout patients and suitability of eHealth in addressing those needs: (1) Timely access to healthcare, especially during flares; (2) (personalized) information regarding diagnosis, medication, and diet; (3) insight into uric acid levels and medication side effects through blood monitoring; (4) better coordination across primary and secondary care; and (5) self-management and shared responsibility over care for maintaining health. Three themes addressed eHealth in general: (1) receptive towards eHealth in gout care; (2) the preference for eHealth to have a complementary role (i.e. not replacing face-to-face) contact with healthcare providers; and (3) preferences on eHealth use and functionalities.

Conclusion: Patients expressed various needs regarding their disease management and projected a supporting role for eHealth in (self)management of gout. Addressing the needs and preferences of patients could enhance their understanding of the disease and treatment, self-management, and possibly health outcomes.