[Analysis of skills and perceptions regarding mHealth in the management of chronic patients by primary care professionals].

OBJECTIVE

To examine the perceptions of primary care professionals regarding the integration and effectiveness of mHealth in managing patients with chronic conditions, as well as their digital skills.

DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional observational study conducted from April to November 2023.

SETTING

Primary care services in the Health Department of Denia, Alicante, Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

Professionals in nursing, medicine, and physiotherapy.

MEASUREMENTS

Participants completed an anonymized ad hoc questionnaire divided into two sections: sociodemographic data and questions regarding the use of mobile health technologies and the internet.

RESULTS

A total of 181 professionals participated, showing high proficiency in managing mobile applications (median score of 8 out of 10; IQR=2), with higher proficiency observed among younger professionals (P<.001). 56.35% had prescribed official or scientifically endorsed digital information. The primary advantage identified for mHealth was the enhancement of patient self-monitoring and self-control (86.74%). However, 88.95% noted the difficulty of using mobile technologies depending on patient type as a disadvantage. 64.64% believed mHealth should be targeted towards patients or caregivers dealing with cardiometabolic or respiratory chronic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The study underscores a generally positive perception of mHealth among primary care professionals, highlighting their technological competence. It also emphasizes the potential of mHealth to improve patient self-management and enhance electronic documentation of patient follow-up. Addressing the digital divide is critical to ensuring equitable access to mHealth and thereby improving health care and outcomes.