Perceptions of healthcare professionals and patients with cardiovascular diseases on mHealth lifestyle apps: A qualitative study.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally and is predominantly associated with a cluster of lifestyle risk factors. Mobile health (mHealth) apps offer the potential to overcome traditional barriers by supporting healthy lifestyle behaviours. However, knowledge about perceptions of mHealth lifestyle apps among healthcare professionals and people with CVD is sparse. This study examined barriers and facilitators of using the mHealth apps for healthy lifestyle support among healthcare professionals and CVD patients.

Methods: We conducted an in-depth qualitative study employing individual semi-structured interviews with 8 CVD healthcare professionals and 4 patients with CVD in Australia. Participants were asked open-ended questions about their perceptions and experiences with mHealth lifestyle apps. A thematic analysis approach was used to establish perceived barriers and facilitators for mHealth lifestyle apps.

Results: Most participants perceived mHealth lifestyle apps as useful. The key perceptions of facilitators included features for tailoring to personal needs, low costs and wide availability of the apps and addressing barriers to use like reminders. Both healthcare professionals and patients identified the strengths and weaknesses regarding the usefulness of mHealth lifestyle apps. Healthcare professionals and patients perceived several barriers to mHealth app use including trustworthiness, scientific validity, language barriers, the capability of using an app or digital literacy, costs for some commercial apps, and accessibility of an app for low-income groups.

Conclusion: Lifestyle apps provide an opportunity for better patient and healthcare professional communications, however, several barriers including improving digital health literacy and scientific validations of the apps are required before being recommended in clinical practice. Findings from this study can inform potential mHealth lifestyle app design to meet the demands of users. Addressing these barriers effectively can enhance the adoption and efficacy of mHealth apps, ultimately contributing to improved CVD management and healthier lifestyle behaviours.