A mobile application for home-based care of indwelling medical devices: Protocol for development and pilot...

Objective: This study aims to present the development of a mobile application incorporating accessibility, communication features, and repeated learning opportunities to support patients and caregivers in managing indwelling medical devices at home. Methods: The application development follows the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation model. This protocol includes a literature review, application structure and prototype development, and pilot study design. The content is grounded in Bandura's self-efficacy theory and includes behavior change techniques to increase self-efficacy in patients and caregivers to manage indwelling medical devices at home. Results: The literature review in the analysis phase identified the need for a personalized interface, alarm function, and a community. The design and development phases produced a comprehensive feature list to guide the intervention protocol, along with the creation of a prototype. A pilot study will be conducted to evaluate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the mobile application, as well as to refine it based on the feedback received. Conclusion: We expect that this application will reduce the burden on patients and caregivers providing home-based care, improve patient health, and reduce the waste of medical resources such as unnecessary hospitalizations.