Perspectives of Inpatients With Cirrhosis and Caregivers on Using Health Information Technology: Cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Gastroenterology
• Patient Care

Background:

• Health information technology (IT) interventions show promise for reducing cirrhosis readmissions.
• Patient-associated factors can limit the effectiveness of these health IT interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate patient-caregiver dyad perspectives on adopting or refusing health IT interventions.
• To identify factors influencing participation in a health IT intervention trial for cirrhosis patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involved cirrhosis patients and their caregivers using the Patient Buddy app for daily monitoring.
• The app focused on ascites, medications, and hepatic encephalopathy over 30 days.
• Regression analyses identified factors associated with acceptance, and semistructured interviews explored reasons for refusal.

Main Results:

• Only 25% (87/349) of patient-caregiver dyads agreed to participate.
• Participation was associated with male patients, and admissions for gastrointestinal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy.
• Opioid use and alcohol-related etiology were linked to refusal; caregiver reluctance and perceived burden were key concerns.

Conclusions:

• Patients with specific conditions (hepatic encephalopathy, GI bleeding) and without substance use were more likely to join the health IT intervention.
• Caregiver burden and study demands, not privacy, were primary reasons for declining participation.
• Reducing perceived burden and enhancing communication are crucial for improving patient-caregiver engagement in health IT interventions.