Stroke Survivors & Caregivers Preferences for Mobile APPs: A Nationwide Population-Based Survey (S5.003)

OBJECTIVE: Investigate preferences of stroke survivors and caregivers for mobile applications (apps) to facilitate post-stroke care/needs. BACKGROUND: Mobile technology has been rapidly entering the medical field. However, it is underutilized in patient-centered healthcare. Mobile apps may allow stroke survivors/caregivers to actively participate in care/management. DESIGN/METHODS: Nationwide population-based survey consisting of 17 questions was distributed to 11,720 stroke survivors and caregivers identified from National Stroke Association’s database via email and postal mail, including an introduction letter and IRB-approved informed consent. The survey was developed using formative focus groups in Brooklyn, NY and Centennial, CO. Qualitative information about current smartphone usage and interest in health-related apps was collected. Preferences were explored by gender, race/ethnicity, age, and education using χ2. RESULTS: 1,221 survivors and 396 caregivers responded. App for scheduling doctor/rehab appointments was preferred by survivors and caregivers of all ethnicities, with doctor appointments, medication reminder, and blood pressure tracking as the most favored in both groups. For how-to information app, there were no differences in caregiver preferences based on demographics, except that app usefulness declined with age (χ2=19.7, p=0.02). While, app with rehab exercises was more often cited by younger survivors, older ones wanted trustworthy medical information (χ2=41.4, p < 0.001). App to find local stroke-related resources was preferred by the majority of caregivers and stroke survivors. More Afro-Caribbean/American survivors (42[percnt]) preferred use of stroke support groups compared to Hispanics (36[percnt]) or Caucasians (28[percnt]), χ2=45.1, p< 0.001 as did younger age (χ2=41.3, p< 0.001). App tracking fitness/diet was more desired by the majority of stroke survivors than caregivers. App facilitating stroke survivors’ communication was highly favored by survivors while not considered useful by the majority of caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Building relevant apps requires feedback from users. We identified useful key features reported by stroke survivors and caregivers to build a stroke-dedicated app. Disclosure: Dr. Nadege has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zelonis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Beving has nothing to disclose. Dr. Burton has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ventura-DiPersia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kunnakkat has nothing to disclose. Dr. Balucani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jensen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Levine has received personal compensation for activities with NCME and as a medical legal consultant. Dr. Levine has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Medlink, and for editing a book on TIAs.