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Acceptance and use of a smartphone application in cirrhosis
Author(s) -
Louissaint Jeremy,
Lok Anna S.,
Fortune Brett E.,
Tapper Elliot B.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/liv.14494
Subject(s) - decompensation , cirrhosis , technology acceptance model , medicine , psychological intervention , anxiety , download , smartphone application , usability , computer science , multimedia , nursing , psychiatry , world wide web , human–computer interaction
Background and Aims The development of cirrhosis‐related smartphone applications for remote monitoring is increasing. Whether patients with cirrhosis will welcome such new technology, however, is uncertain. Methods We prospectively enrolled patients with cirrhosis (N = 102) to determine predictors of acceptance and utilization of a smartphone application for cirrhosis management using a 12‐item Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) survey. Patients were then shown the EncephalApp© and evaluated for their willingness to download and use the application. Results Patients had a median age of 61.3 years and 63.7% had a history of hepatic decompensation. Intention to use the hypothetical application was associated with perceived usefulness ( β : 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3‐0.5) and the presence of a caregiver ( β : 1.1, 95% CI: 0.2‐2.0). Of the eligible participants, 71% agreed to download the EncephalApp© and the decision was influenced by computer anxiety, behavioural intent, caregiver presence and disease state factors. Actual usage was 32% and not associated with baseline characteristics or the technology acceptance model. Conclusions Patient acceptance of smartphone applications for the management of cirrhosis is high and related to their attitudes towards technology and the presence of a caregiver. However, usage was low. Future research must employ behavioural interventions to optimize uptake and utilization of remote monitoring technology.