Nurses' experiences of using mHealth apps for risk reduction and chronic condition management: A qualitative descriptive study

Background: Chronic conditions negatively impact health and well-being; however, lifestyle risk reduction can slow their progression. Monitoring behaviours, tracking health statistics and receiving health education via mobile Health (mHealth) apps can empower patients with chronic conditions to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. Given nurses’ roles in managing chronic conditions, they are ideally positioned to integrate mHealth apps into patient care. However, there is currently a gap in our understanding of nurses’ experiences using this technology in their practice. Aim: This paper explores nurses’ experiences using mHealth apps to support patients with, or at risk of, chronic conditions. Design: This qualitative descriptive study was undertaken within a concurrent mixed methods project. Method: Data were collected through semi-structured video interviews with 13 nurses. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The COREQ checklist was used to guide reporting. Results: Three themes were identified regarding nurses’ experiences of using mHealth apps. The first theme focused on perceptions of mHealth app personal use. In the second theme of perceived benefits of mHealth app use in practice, the two subthemes were: a) health tracking and health literacy, and b) mHealth apps are the future. The final theme, perceived confidence in mHealth app recommendation, also included two subthemes, namely: a) perceived role in app recommendation and b) nurses’ education needs. Conclusion: Exploring nurses’ experience with mHealth apps is crucial for improving the uptake of this technology in usual care. Nurses recognise the potential of mHealth apps to increase health literacy and patient independence, but often lack confidence in using them in practice. Therefore, it is essential to prepare nurses to integrate mHealth apps into their routine practice. This can be achieved by developing a clear framework for mHealth app appraisal and providing the necessary education and training to utilise this framework effectively.