Thursday, December 10, 2015
Verizon Supported Study Finds Smartphone App Can Improve Self-management for Some with Spina Bifida
A smartphone app might help adolescents and young adults with spina bifida improve their daily self-management skills, which can help prevent skin wounds and other complications, according to a pilot study of the interactive Mobitle Health & Rehabilitation app.
Findings were published Oct. 20 in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
With features including mobile reminders and messaging with healthcare providers, the iMHere system is feasible for use by young patients with spina bifida, according to the research by Brad E. Dicianno, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and colleagues including Andrea D. Fairman, PhD, OTR/L, CPRP, and Diane M. Collins PhD, OT.
“This system holds promise for use in many diverse chronic care models to support and increase self-management skills,” the researchers wrote. . .
The study was funded by grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, the Verizon Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. . .