Implementing a self-management mobile app for spinal cord injury during inpatient rehabilitation and following community discharge: A feasibility study

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2020 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2019.1614343 · Published: January 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores the practicality of using a mobile app to help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) manage their health during and after their initial hospital stay. The app includes tools for setting goals, tracking health information, and building confidence in managing their condition. The study found the app was promising during the hospital stay, but keeping people engaged after discharge was a challenge.

Study Duration

10 months recruitment, 171 ± 38 days (98–253) total participant involvement

Participants

20 inpatients with first SCI (median age 39, IQR: 31 years, 85% male)

Evidence Level

Pilot feasibility study

Key Findings

1
Recruitment targets were exceeded, and the app was usable for individuals with varying levels of injury during inpatient rehabilitation.
2
There were challenges with retention and adherence following community discharge.
3
Participants’ bowel self-management confidence improved between admission and discharge (P < 0.01).

Research Summary

The study assessed the feasibility of a self-management mobile app for individuals with SCI during inpatient rehabilitation and after community discharge. Feasibility indicators were strong during inpatient rehabilitation, but retention and adherence decreased after community discharge. The findings suggest inpatient rehabilitation is a feasible time to introduce the app, but the transition to community living presents challenges.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Inpatient rehabilitation is a good time to introduce self-management apps for SCI.

Further Research

Future studies should address retention challenges during the transition to community living.

App Development

Additional tools that include recreation and leisure, nutrition, etc. may need to be developed.

Study Limitations

1
Lower retention results following community discharge than hypothesized.
2
The measures that we selected only partly evaluate the complexity of the phenomenon of self-management.
3
Training sessions may have acted as a co-intervention.

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