Mobile phone applications and their use in the self-management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a qualitative study among app users and non-app users

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

ISSN: 1758-5996