Feasibility of Using Mobile Health to Promote Self-Management in Spina Bifida

Objective: To determine feasibility of using the interactive Mobile Health and Rehabilitation (iMHere) system in spina bifida and its effects on psychosocial and medical outcomes. Design: In a randomized controlled trial, 13 intervention participants using the iMHere system and receiving usual care and 10 control participants receiving usual care were followed for 1 year. Results: Feasibility of use of the system was demonstrated by participants using a customized smartphone system for reminders to conduct various self-care tasks, upload photos of wounds, manage medications, complete mood surveys, and for secure messaging. High usage of the system was associated with positive changes in the subscales of the Adolescent Self-Management and Independence Scale II. Conclusion: Use of the iMHere system in spina bifida is feasible and was associated with short-term self-reported improvements in self-management skill. This system holds promise for use in many diverse chronic care models to support and increase self-management skills.