Challenges of Implementing an mHealth Application for Personalized Physical Activity Counselling in Primary Health Care: A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION

A mobile health (mHealth) technology has the potential to facilitate personalized physical activity (PA) counselling. We aimed to explore the feasibility and challenges of implementing a newly developed mHealth application (PAC app) for personalized PA counselling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A qualitative design employed a descriptive phenomenology approach. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) with primary health care (PHC) providers and were analyzed using a deductive thematic approach.

RESULTS

A total of 16 participants participated in four FGDs. Four major themes were found: application for personalized PA counselling, barriers to the use of the application by providers, patient involvement, and impact on PHC services.

DISCUSSION

The results showed that the new mHealth application can potentially facilitate PA counselling. However, its use in PHC settings requires an understanding of the context of service delivery; the challenges faced by providers and patients and effects on services must be considered.

CONCLUSION

Future research should focus on the long-term use of PAC app and its impact on behavioral and health outcomes.