Evaluation of a Mobile Application Tool to Assist Health Care Providers in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Management

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and management (RAM) services face many challenges and barriers in the community. Mobile technology offers the opportunity to empower patients and improve access to health prevention strategies to overcome these barriers.1 The main goal of this study is to investigate whether the use of mobile technology for CVDRAM, combined with appropriate health care professional oversight, can improve access and management of CVD risk factors in Qatar. Methods/Case presentation: Pilot testing of an Arabic and English version of the online application EPIRxISK™ for CVDRAM by potential users from a sample consisting of the general population and pharmacists attending community pharmacies. Participants’ feedback was gathered in a qualitative interview which was recorded and transcribed for quality assurance and for review by the research team. Responses from all interviews were analyzed and recommendations were made to finalize the application prior to phase II of the study. In phase II, quantitative and qualitative methods will be utilized to assess the feasibility of implementing a community pharmacy-based CVD risk assessment program using the English and Arabic versions of the EPIRxISK™ online application. Results/Findings/Recommendations: In phase I, a total of 9 pharmacists from community pharmacies and 5 general participants from the general population were interviewed. As shown in table 1 and 2, the analysis of the interviews resulted in themes related to five frameworks: engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and subjective quality. Overall, the themes demonstrated acceptance and satisfaction with the features of the application. Phase II is in progress now. Conclusion: The overall results of the pilot testing are promising and conclude an overall acceptance and satisfaction with the features of the application.