Table 2 Key findings of barriers and facilitators of app usage and useful features of app use
Barriers to using apps |
|---|
App-specific |
Technological issues: app failing to work as intended (e.g. connectivity ongoing issue), not being user friendly, difficult to navigate |
Initial setup issues: units of measurement (American vs Australian), cost of app, font size |
User-specific |
Perceptions of app use: |
Feeling they did not need an app |
Not knowing about available apps |
Not having thought of using an app for self management before |
Self-perception of diabetes |
“Not being bad enough” |
Current care being sufficient |
Self-perception of technological literacy |
Internet connectivity |
Perceived facilitators and useful features of app use |
|---|
Apps perceived to be useful and majority would recommend the app |
App specific |
App user-friendly: easy navigation, clear designs, intuitive technology |
Convenience: ease of blood glucose monitoring, discretion of using phone, inbuilt exercise technology, time taken to perform tasks |
Features of apps: BGL connectivity with glucometer, calculating content of food |
User-specific |
Personal and social factors |
Health literacy and technical literacy likely to influence positive attitudes towards app use |
Many open to the idea of using an app; however, some felt current management was sufficient |
Interaction with health-care professionals |
Recommendation by healthcare profession well received. Others stated they would use an app if their GP would recommend it |
Use of app not often disclosed to health professional |
Healthcare professional discussing app use encouraged self-reflection on diabetes management |