The majority of lipid metabolism disorders can be managed well if patients adhere to their therapies. Self-monitoring can drive adherence with regards to medication intake, physical activities, and nutrition. Technical devices like smartphones can further support its users to achieve health-related goals. In a clinical trial, 100 patients with lipid metabolism disorders were asked to use a smartphone application over a duration of 12 months. Users of this app could set reminders to keep track of their medication and other disease-related variables, such as weight and cholesterol. More than half of all patients that started to use the app continued to use the app over the full 12 months. However, 43% of the patients that were asked to use the app stated that they never started to use the app. The reasons cited were lack of time, health problems, lack of motivation, and technical problems. The number of patients with high medication adherence increased significantly due to the use of the app. Health apps might benefit patients by enabling them to better manage chronic diseases, but successful digital health concepts will need to address efficient onboarding as well as long-term motivation.
Keywords: app usage; disease management; electronic aids to daily living; information technology and telecommunications; lipid metabolism disorder; older adults; self-monitoring; smartphone usage; usability.