Acceptability and Feasibility of a Mobile Web Application to Help Identify Nontraumatic Abdominal Patient-Reported Symptoms in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Study.

Abstract

Objectives: We developed a mobile web application to help identify nontraumatic abdominal patient-reported symptoms (PRS) in patients who visited the emergency department (ED). Patients can use this during waiting times to facilitate patient history-taking by the physician. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of PRS usage in the ED by patients.

Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted at the ED of an academic tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. Adult patients aged ≤65 years presenting with abdominal symptoms were enrolled. We assessed PRS completion, time, and help required. Patient surveys and semi-structured interviews with patients and physicians were used to evaluate feasibility and acceptability.

Results: A total of 30 patient surveys were analyzed, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 6 patients and 6 doctors. All participants completed the PRS in an average of 7.6 (SD, 5.0) minutes. Sixteen patients (53.3%) needed help with content, and 15 (50.0%) required technical assistance. The PRS was rated as acceptable based on the diffusion of innovation theory, with an average of 3.9 (SD, 0.76) out of 5. Patients reported that the PRS helped them communicate symptoms clearly but raised concerns about its usability for older patients or those in pain.

Conclusion: In our pilot study, the PRS was feasible to use but required improvements in usability. Patients were acceptable to PRS use in the ED.