Bridging the Digital Divide in HIV Care: A Pilot Study of an iPod Personal Health Record. (March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luque, Amneris E.; Corales, Roberto; Fowler, Richard J.; DiMarco, Jamie; van Keken, Adjuah; Winters, Paul; Keefer, Michael C.; Fiscella, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care. Volume 12:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 117
• Page End: 121
• Publication Date: 2013-03
• Subjects: HIV self-care health records -- personal medical informatics education of patients; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.9792
• DOI: 10.1177/1545109712457712
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2325-9574

Abstract

Background: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) need practical tools to self-manage their condition. Methods: We conducted a proof-of-concept study among PLWH to assess whether patients could learn to use a personal health record (PHR) on a hand-held device (iPod Touch) to manage their condition. We began individual trainings and later adapted this to group training. We assessed usability, acceptability and also effects on self-efficacy for treatment adherence using the HIV Treatment Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale (HIV-ASES). Results: Nine PLWH participated in the individual training and 29 participated in the group sessions. The participants were largely middle aged, low-income and of racial/ethnic minorities. The sessions were well attended and participants fully engaged in tasks and shared learning. Most participants stated they intended to use the PHR and reported improved self-efficacy in treatment adherence ( P = .05) particularly on the integration of treatment adherence into one's routine ( P < .02). Conclusions: Training PLWH in use of a handheld PHR shows promise.