Subjective effectiveness of mobile applications in patient adherence to home exercise programs in Malta

Abstract

Mobile applications are increasingly being integrated into healthcare as tools to improve patient adherence to home exercise programs (HEPs). This study investigates the effectiveness of the application PhysiApp® in enhancing patient compliance to HEPs in Malta. The research question explored how patients perceive the app’s role in adherence and their experience using the app. 45 participants were recruited using convenience sampling, with the inclusion criteria being patients who started physiotherapy between 2023-2024, were prescribed an HEP through PhysiApp® through ProClinic and have an electronic address. The exclusion criteria were patients who did not download the relevant app, patients who started physiotherapy prior to 2023 and patients who are unable to read English or have cognitive difficulties which does not allow for understanding of the application. The study employed a quantitative approach using a standardised questionnaire to collect self-reported data on app usage, adherence, and application features. The data was then descriptively analysed. The results revealed that 89% of participants recommended the app, with most preferring it over traditional methods (rated 4.53/5). Key features like exercise videos (rated 4.65/5) and exercise reminders (rated 3.71/5) were highly valued, promoting adherence and proper exercise execution. However, 5 participants reported technical issues, which negatively impacted their compliance. The study concluded that PhysiApp® is an effective tool for improving adherence to HEPs. These findings align with international research, though contrast with some American studies, suggesting regional differences in app effectiveness. The study’s limitations include the small sample size, single clinic setting, and reliance on self-reported data. Key recommendations include incorporating app-based HEPs to enhance adherence and future research should explore a larger sample across multiple clinics to generalise findings and address app-related challenges.