Investigating Patient Perspectives on Using eHealth Technologies for the Self-Management of Inflammatory Bowel...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Patient Self-Management
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Background:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) presents ongoing challenges for patients, necessitating continuous self-management for improved quality of life.
• Effective self-management strategies are crucial for individuals with IBD to navigate their condition effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perspectives of individuals with IBD regarding the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for self-management.
• To specifically examine the potential of a "smart" toilet seat as an example of ICT in IBD self-management.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based analysis of 724 participants with IBD.
• Utilized descriptive quantitative, summative content, and thematic qualitative analyses.
• Employed epistemic network analysis to identify patterns in ICT use, use cases, and barriers.

Main Results:

• 55.9% (n=405) of participants actively use ICT for IBD self-management.
• Technological affinity was the primary driver for ICT adoption among users.
• Significant differences in perceived use cases and concerns were observed between ICT users and non-users.

Conclusions:

• Valuable insights into patient perspectives on ICT for IBD self-management were gathered.
• Addressing privacy, data security, and reliable integration are crucial for increasing ICT adoption in IBD care.
• Future efforts should focus on overcoming barriers to ensure equitable access and effective utilization of digital health solutions.