The effect of using smartphone applications on self-care in patients with heart failure

Due to the chronic nature of heart failure, it is necessary to observe and maintain self-care behaviors accordingly. Tele-monitoring using smartphone applications can be effective in this regard. This study aimed to determine the effect of using smartphone applications on self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure.

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted between August and March in 2018. Using consecutive sampling, 120 patients were selected and were allocated to the two groups by a random quadruple block approach. The participants in both groups completed the European heart failure self-care questionnaire before and after the intervention. Patients in both groups received routine hospital care; however, patients in the intervention group used an Android smartphone application for three months daily as well. Via the application, there were ongoing interactions between patients and researchers, depending on the needs of patients and their conditions. The data were analyzed using SPSS V.16 software.

There was a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of the mean score of self-care after the intervention where the mean score in the intervention group was lower (p<0.001), which indicates better self-care. Based on the results, the intervention effect was reported at 0.787.

The findings of this study showed that using a smartphone application can improve self-care in patients with heart failure. Therefore, it is recommended to health care providers to use this mobile application to care and monitor remote patients with HF.