Purpose
To use a mobile app to empower patients and increase communication among the diabetic patient, diabetologist and ophthalmologist.
Methods
Patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus and access to a mobile device were invited to participate. Intervention was use of SightBook™, a free mobile app that monitors visual acuity at home and allows communication between the patient and multiple physicians. Outcome measures included psychosocial surveys, use of the mobile app, and participation by the diabetologist and ophthalmologist.
Results
Sixty patients were enrolled with a mean age of 45 years (range 23 - 81). Self-administered health psychology questionnaires in 45 patients showed varied diabetes knowledge and disease perception. At baseline, mean A1c was 8.6 and 30% of patients had diabetic retinopathy. Twenty-nine patient profiles (48%) were successfully complete 3 months after enrollment (Table).
Conclusions
Diabetic patients responded enthusiastically to using mHealth; however, heavily burdened physicians were reluctant to take on the task of entering data that duplicated medical records. Additional study is required to improve mHealth technology for better incorporation into patient care.
Keywords: 688 retina •
499 diabetic retinopathy