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Published on: June 30, 2014
Mobile Health Technology in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy for People with Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory
Stefan Tino Kulnik1, Belinda Böhm2, Isabel Höppchen1
1Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Prevention, Salzburg, Austria.
Background:
Mobile health (mHealth) technology can support therapy adherence and self-management of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but mHealth solutions tailored for the Austrian context are currently lacking.
Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate usability, user experience and user acceptance of the Swiss "MS Active App" in an Austrian setting, and to identify transferable requirements and design implications.
Methods:
Nine people with MS used the MS Active App for one week as part of their individual physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Data collection included standardised questionnaires, a user diary, qualitative interviews with patients, and focus group discussions with therapists.
Results:
People with MS and their therapists rated the usability, user experience and user acceptance of the app as overall good. Qualitative accounts included a number of specific suggested improvements from which transferable requirements and design implications may be derived.
Conclusion:
The MS Active App offers a potentially suitable mHealth solution for people with MS in Austria, but several suggested improvements should be considered prior to implementation in practice.
