Adolescent-Centered mHealth Applications in a Collaborative Care Model: A Virtual Focus Group Study With Audiologists

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Digital Health
• Adolescent Healthcare

Background:

• Technology-enabled care, particularly mobile health (mHealth), is a growing method for hearing healthcare delivery.
• While mHealth is integrated with adult hearing services, its application across the lifespan, especially for adolescents, requires further investigation.
• Literature on mHealth for adolescent hearing aid users is limited, necessitating research into factors influencing app adoption and clinical integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore audiologists' perceptions of using mHealth apps for collaborative, child-inclusive hearing aid personalization.
• To gather insights for person-centered app design components beneficial for adolescent hearing aid users (ages 12-17).

Main Methods:

• Virtual synchronous focus groups were conducted with twelve audiologists.
• Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive, codebook thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Six key themes emerged: client candidacy for mHealth, clinical implementation strategies, collaboration, user empowerment, remote technology for personalization, and app functionality/design.
• Audiologists identified specific characteristics impacting mHealth suitability and strategies for adoption.
• Essential app features and design elements for adolescent users were discussed.

Conclusions:

• mHealth hearing aid apps show potential for clinical integration within a collaborative care model for adolescents.
• Consideration of adolescent-specific use patterns, outcomes, and design is crucial for successful implementation.
• Findings can inform the development and tailoring of hearing aid apps for adolescent populations.