Adaptation of TECCU App Based on Patients´ Perceptions for the Telemonitoring of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Qualitative Study Using Focus Groups

Javier Del Del Hoyo, Pilar Nos, Raquel Faubel, Guillermo Bastida, Diana Muñoz, Elena Valero-Pérez, Alejandro Garrido-Marín, Pablo Bella, Beatriz Peña, Claudia Savini, Mariam Aguas, Javier Del Del Hoyo, Pilar Nos, Raquel Faubel, Guillermo Bastida, Diana Muñoz, Elena Valero-Pérez, Alejandro Garrido-Marín, Pablo Bella, Beatriz Peña, Claudia Savini, Mariam Aguas

Abstract

Background: Despite the continuous adaptation of eHealth systems for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a significant disconnection persists between users and developers. Since non-adherence remains high, it is necessary to better understand the patients' perspective on telemonitoring for IBD. Accordingly, this study aimed to adapt the TECCU telemonitoring app to the preferences and needs of IBD patients. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out using successive focus groups of IBD patients. Meetings were audio-recorded and a thematic analysis was employed until data saturation was achieved. The first group included patients who had used the TECCU App in a pilot clinical trial, and subsequent meetings included patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis recruited from the Spanish Confederation of patient associations. The information collected at each meeting guided consecutive changes to the platform. Results: Data saturation was reached after three focus groups involving a total of 18 patients. Three main themes emerged: (1) platform usability, (2) the communication process, and (3) platform content. All participants indicated that TECCU is easy to use, permitting continuous and personalized feedback. According to patients´ perspectives, the platform was adapted to foster a flexible follow-up and shared decision-making using open and safe communication networks. Many participants appreciated the educational elements and, consequently, the app was connected to reliable and continuously updated webpages. Conclusions: IBD patients valued the usability and personalized monitoring offered by the TECCU App. Improvements in the messaging system and continuously updated educational content were introduced to address patients´ needs and favor their engagement.

Keywords: E-health; focus groups; inflammatory bowel disease; qualitative research; telemedicine.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The workflow followed to guide the continuous adaptation of the TECCU platform.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Coding tree representing the codes, categories, and themes that emerged in the focus groups.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Adaptations to the TECCU platform design to improve usability.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Adaptations to the communication process in the TECCU app.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Updates to the educational contents and the summary of the patients’ disease course in the TECCU app.

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