An Exploratory Study on the Utility of Patient-Generated Health Data as a Tool for Health Care Professionals in Multiple Sclerosis Care

Abstract

Background Patient-generated health data (PGHD) are data collected through technologies such as mobile devices and health apps. The integration of PGHD into health care workflows can support the care of chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients are often willing to share data with health care professionals (HCPs) in their care team; however, the benefits of PGHD can be limited if HCPs do not find it useful, leading patients to discontinue data tracking and sharing eventually. Therefore, understanding the usefulness of mobile health (mHealth) solutions, which provide PGHD and serve as enablers of the HCPs’ involvement in participatory care, could motivate them to continue using these technologies. Objective The objective of this study is to explore the perceived utility of different types of PGHD from mHealth solutions which could serve as tools for HCPs to support participatory care in MS. Method A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative research and participatory design. This study includes three sequential phases: data collection, assessment of PGHD utility, and design of data visualizations. In the first phase, 16 HCPs were interviewed. The second and third phases were carried out through participatory workshops, where PGHD types were conceptualized in terms of utility. Results The study found that HCPs are optimistic about PGHD in MS care. The most useful types of PGHD for HCPs in MS care are patients’ habits, lifestyles, and fatigueinducing activities. Although these subjective data seem more useful for HCPs, it is more challenging to visualize them in a useful and actionable way. Conclusion HCPs are optimistic about mHealth and PGHD as tools to further understand their patients’ needs and support care in MS. HCPs from different disciplines have different perceptions of what types of PGHD are useful; however, subjective types of PGHD seem potentially more useful for MS care.