Diabetes Metab J.  2014 Jun;38(3):204-210. 10.4093/dmj.2014.38.3.204.

Efficacy of the Smartphone-Based Glucose Management Application Stratified by User Satisfaction

• Kim HS
• Choi W
• Baek EK
• Kim YA
• Yang SJ
• Choi IY
• Yoon KH
• Cho JH

• KMID: 2280691
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2014.38.3.204

Abstract

BACKGROUND
We aimed to assess the efficacy of the smartphone-based health application for glucose control and patient satisfaction with the mobile network system used for glucose self-monitoring.
METHODS
Thirty-five patients were provided with a smartphone device, and self-measured blood glucose data were automatically transferred to the medical staff through the smartphone application over the course of 12 weeks. The smartphone user group was divided into two subgroups (more satisfied group vs. less satisfied group) based on the results of questionnaire surveys regarding satisfaction, comfort, convenience, and functionality, as well as their willingness to use the smartphone application in the future. The control group was set up via a review of electronic medical records by group matching in terms of age, sex, doctor in charge, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
RESULTS
Both the smartphone group and the control group showed a tendency towards a decrease in the HbA1c level after 3 months (7.7%+/-0.7% to 7.5%+/-0.7%, P=0.077). In the more satisfied group (n=27), the HbA1c level decreased from 7.7%+/-0.8% to 7.3%+/-0.6% (P=0.001), whereas in the less satisfied group (n=8), the HbA1c result increased from 7.7%+/-0.4% to 8.1%+/-0.5% (P=0.062), showing values much worse than that of the no-smartphone control group (from 7.7%+/-0.5% to 7.7%+/-0.7%, P=0.093).
CONCLUSION
In addition to medical feedback, device and network-related patient satisfaction play a crucial role in blood glucose management. Therefore, for the smartphone app-based blood glucose monitoring to be effective, it is essential to provide the patient with a well-functioning high quality tool capable of increasing patient satisfaction and willingness to use.

Keyword

Delivery of health care; Diabetes mellitus; Information technology; Smartphone; Ubiquitous

MeSH Terms

Blood Glucose
Delivery of Health Care
Diabetes Mellitus
Electronic Health Records
Glucose*
Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated
Humans
Medical Staff
Patient Satisfaction
Smartphone
Surveys and Questionnaires
Blood Glucose
Glucose

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Screen view by patients on Smartphone application. (A) My laboratory data, (B) message Box from medical team, (C) health information, (D) the official announcement, (E) my target glycated hemoglobin range, blood glucose level, and blood pressure, and (F) hospital reservation guide.

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