Developing Mobile Apps to Support Clinical Management of HIV Patients: An Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Digital Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) presents a significant global health challenge, particularly in Europe.
• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition, emphasizing the importance of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for therapy adherence.
• Self-monitoring tools can potentially enhance the management of chronic conditions like HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the AURORA self-monitoring system on the quality of life and healthcare management of HIV+ patients.
• To assess the influence of the app on sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and patient satisfaction with ART.
• To measure the app's effect on adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Main Methods:

• Fifty HIV+ patients on stable ART were recruited and instructed to use the AURORA health monitoring app.
• Data on ART adherence, HRQoL, sleep quality, depression, and anxiety were collected via patient self-reports.
• Patient satisfaction with the app and its features was assessed through feedback.

Main Results:

• Compliant patients using the AURORA app demonstrated optimal adherence to ART.
• A significant portion of users (26.2%) found the app very beneficial, with minimal reports of no benefit.
• The study identified significant correlations between sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression, and patients appreciated the daily self-care assessment and privacy.

Conclusions:

• The AURORA app shows promise in improving HRQoL and therapy adherence among people living with HIV (PLWH).
• Patient feedback is crucial for app development, with suggestions for enhanced features like phone call integration and e-learning.
• Future research should include a control group to definitively establish the app's effectiveness in promoting therapy compliance.