bei Google ScholarTitelangaben
Bader, Alisa ; Hofmann, Reiner ; Haderer, Marika ; von Schau, Natascha ; König, Laura M.:
Implementation of a digital health application for obesity management in rural primary care : a mixed-methods evaluation of user experiences.
In: BMC Digital Health.
Bd. 4
(2026)
.
- 50.
ISSN 2731-684X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s44247-026-00282-9
Abstract
Background
Digital health applications offer potential for supporting obesity management through self-monitoring and lifestyle advice. Their implementation and integration into rural primary care remain challenging, with limited strategies for optimizing use and engagement. The two primary objectives of this study were first, to evaluate the patients’ user experience, usability, and perceived impact of a digital obesity management app and second, to explore healthcare professionals’ perspectives on factors that influence engagement and implementation of these in rural primary care.
Methods
A mixed-methods design was applied. Quantitative data were collected from patients participating in the intervention (n = 61) using the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), System Usability Scale (SUS), and additional questions on the perceived impacts of the app. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with participating general practitioners (GPs) (n = 4) and physiotherapists (PTs) (n = 7) involved in the intervention.
Results
From the patient perspective UEQ scores showed neutral ratings for all scales: Attractiveness (0.01), Perspicuity (0.50), Efficiency (0.04), Dependability (0.17), Stimulation (-0.30) and Novelty (-0.39), indicating a balanced perception of user experience. The SUS score averaged is 53.53 ± 20.45 indicating below-average usability. Participants reported on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = fully agree), moderate agreement regarding the app’s impact on health behavior awareness (3.06 ± 1.32) and motivation (3.10 ± 1.27), and high rating on the role of technology in obesity management (3.76 ± 1.21). Low ratings were observed for integration into practice (2.62 ± 1.36) and therapy adherence (2.63 ± 1.37) as well as for communication with healthcare providers (2.35 ± 1.34). Qualitative results from the health care professional perspective confirm these findings as challenges were highlighted including usability and technical issues, high workload and low integration into existing workflows, which limited the app’s adoption in primary care practice.
Conclusions
Digital health apps, like those used in the examined intervention, can support obesity management by promoting health behaviors and motivation. Their usability, technical stability, and integration into clinical workflows are the most important factors for sustained use und perceived effectiveness. User-centered, reliable design and thorough transdisciplinary development and testing are crucial for sustainable use in primary care implementation.