Usability and acceptability of a mobile application prototype for a combined behavioural activation and physical rehabilitation intervention in acute respiratory failure survivors

Aust Crit Care. 2020 Nov;33(6):511-517. doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2020.02.010. Epub 2020 Apr 25.

Abstract

Background: Acute respiratory failure survivors experience depression symptoms and new impairments in physical function. Behavioural activation, an evidence-based nonpharmacological treatment for depression, combined with physical rehabilitation, is a promising intervention. Notably, mHealth applications (Apps) are potentially effective methods of delivering home-based interventions.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the usability and acceptability of a prototype App to deliver a combined, home-based behavioural activation and rehabilitation intervention to acute respiratory failure survivors.

Methods: A prospective user-preference study was conducted with acute respiratory failure survivors and self-designated care partners. Survivors were adults with at least mild depression symptoms before hospital discharge who received mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit for ≥24 h. Survivors and care partners reviewed the App during a single in-person home visit and completed the System Usability Scale (range: 0-100; score >73 considered "good") and a semistructured interview.

Results: Ten patient/care partner dyads completed study. The median [interquartile range] patient age was 50 [40-64] years, and 50% were female. The median System Usability Scale scores among patients and care partners were 76 [68-83] and 88 [75-94], respectively. Qualitative feedback supported usability and acceptability of the App, with three themes reported: (1) stigma associated with depression, (2) App as a motivator for recovery, and (3) App providing multidisciplinary support for survivor and care partner.

Conclusions: A mobile App prototype designed to deliver a combined behavioural activation and rehabilitation intervention was usable and acceptable to survivors of acute respiratory failure and their care partners. Given the reported stigma associated with depression, the self-directed App may be particularly valuable for motivation and multidisciplinary support.

Keywords: Acute respiratory failure; Depression; Intensive care unit; Mobile application.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mobile Applications*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Respiratory Insufficiency* / therapy
  • Self Care
  • Survivors