Development of mHealth system for supporting self-management and remote consultation of skincare

Model System:

Reference Type:

Accession No.:

Journal:

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Article describes the development of a mobile health (mHealth) system for supporting self-care and management of skin problems called SkinCare as part of an mHealth suite called iMHere (interactive Mobile Health and Rehabilitation). The SkinCare system is one component of a more comprehensive system to support a wellness program for individuals with spina bifida. The SkinCare system consists of the SkinCare app, a clinician portal, and a two-way communication protocol connecting the two. The SkinCare app requires three main functions: (1) self-care task schedule and reminders; (2) skin condition monitoring and communications that include imaging, information about the skin problem, and consultation with clinician; and (3) secure two-way messaging between the patient and clinician (wellness coordinator). The SkinCare app has several features that include reminders to perform daily skin checks as well as the ability to report skin breakdown and injury, which uses a combination of skin images and descriptions. The data is sent to the portal where clinicians can monitor patients’ conditions. Using the two-way communication, clinicians can receive pictures of the skin conditions, track progress in healing over time, and provide instructions for how to best care for the wound. This study shows the feasibility of a long-term implementation of skincare mHealth systems to support self-care and two-way interactions between patients and clinicians.

Author(s):

Participating Centers: