A Mobile Application for Anticoagulation Management in Patients After Heart Valve Replacement: A Usability Study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Digital Health
• Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

Background:

• Individualized anticoagulation therapy is crucial but challenging for patients post-heart valve replacement.
• Mobile applications integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer a potential solution for personalized patient care.
• This study explores the development and feasibility of an AI-assisted mobile app for anticoagulation management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an AI technology-assisted mobile application for anticoagulation management.
• To assess patient acceptance of such a mobile application.
• To determine the overall feasibility of the AI-assisted anticoagulation management app.

Main Methods:

• An AI-assisted mobile application was developed for anticoagulation management.
• Usability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS) after 2 weeks of use.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients, doctors, and nurses to gather qualitative feedback.

Main Results:

• The study included 80 participants: 38 patients, 18 doctors, and 24 nurses.
• High usability scores were reported: Patients (82.37±5.45), Doctors (84.17±5.82), and Nurses (81.88±6.44).
• Interviews revealed patient satisfaction with ease of use, desire for precise dosage recommendations, and concerns about data security; healthcare professionals noted potential for improved self-management, especially with family support for elderly patients.

Conclusions:

• The AI-assisted mobile application is feasible for anticoagulation management in post-heart valve replacement patients.
• Future development should focus on enhancing dose recommendation accuracy, securing family support, and ensuring data privacy.
• The app demonstrates potential to improve patient self-management and convenience in transitional care settings.