App-based self-management program for people dealing with fatigue and trouble concentrating (DiEgO): protocol for...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Patient self-management strategies
• Qualitative research methodologies

Background:

• Fatigue and cognitive difficulties are prevalent in post-COVID syndrome (PCS) and rheumatic conditions, significantly impacting quality of life.
• Limited evidence-based management strategies exist for these debilitating symptoms.
• The DiEgO study aims to address this gap by developing a novel self-management application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an interactive mHealth application for self-management of fatigue and concentration difficulties.
• To enhance user-centeredness and real-world applicability through participatory design.
• To provide flexible, low-threshold access to self-management support.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a participatory research approach combined with qualitative methods (content analysis, grounded theory).
• Employed iterative development cycles with a team of PCS individuals, occupational therapists, and researchers.
• Pilot testing with individuals experiencing rheumatic-disease-related fatigue, assessing usability, feasibility, and acceptability via qualitative interviews.

Main Results:

• Successfully developed an mHealth self-management application through collaborative, iterative design.
• The participatory approach ensured user-centeredness and practical relevance of the intervention.
• The study design facilitates evaluation of usability, feasibility, and acceptability.

Conclusions:

• The DiEgO study successfully developed a user-centered mHealth application for fatigue and concentration issues.
• Participatory design involving patients and therapists enhances the app's real-world applicability.
• The open-source platform offers potential for expanded, accessible self-management support for PCS and rheumatic conditions.