A mixed-methods study on the implementation of a mobile health application (mHealth app) for stroke caregivers in Malaysia: healthcare providers' perspective

Sidek NN 1 , Tengku Ismail TA 1 , Kamalakannan S 2 , Chen XW 3 , Romli MH 4 , Mat Said MZ 5 Show all authors , Papachristou Nadal I 6 , Ibrahim KA 7 , Musa KI 1

Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
  • 2 Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
  • 3 Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 4 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, UPM Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing™), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 5 Disease Control Unit, Hilir Perak District Health Office, Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia
  • 6 Division of Care in Long Term Conditions, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
  • 7 Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
Front Neurol, 2023;14:1222260.
PMID: 37905189 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1222260

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Recognizing the burden experienced by caregivers of stroke survivors, an intervention using mobile health applications (mHealth apps) has been proposed to support and empower stroke caregivers. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and expectations of healthcare providers, who play a vital role as gatekeepers in the healthcare system, to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the intervention.

METHODS: This was a concurrent mixed-method study design, with healthcare providers involved in stroke care management in the northeast regions of Malaysia as study participants. The qualitative component of the study was conducted using a phenomenological approach that involved in-depth interviews to explore the acceptability and expectations of healthcare providers regarding the adoption of mHealth apps in the context of stroke caregiving. The study was complemented by quantitative data collected through an online survey using an adjusted version of the technology acceptance model tool.

RESULTS: In total, 239 participants from diverse backgrounds and professions were enrolled in the study, with 12 in the qualitative component and 227 in the quantitative component. The findings from the quantitative survey showed that over 80% of the participants expressed their intention to use mHealth apps. The qualitative component generated two themes related to the acceptability and expectations of mHealth apps, which were integrated with the quantitative findings. Additionally, in-depth interviews revealed a new theme, namely the key features of mHealth, with three sub-themes: availability of services for caregivers, provision of knowledge skills, and supporting caregivers in managing stroke patients.

CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers demonstrated excellent acceptability of this mHealth intervention as part of caregiving assistance, particularly with the inclusion of essential key features. However, future investigations are necessary to establish the feasibility of integrating the mHealth app into the healthcare system and to ensure its long-term sustainability.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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