An mHealth application for chronic vascular access: A multi-method evaluation

BACKGROUND

Healthcare consumers require diverse resources to assist their navigation of complex healthcare interactions, however, these resources need to be fit for purpose.

AIM

In this study, we evaluated the utility, usability and feasibility of children, families and adults requiring long-term intravenous therapy using a recently developed mobile health application (App), intravenous (IV) Passport.

DESIGN

Multi-site, parallel, multi-method, prospective cohort study.

METHODS

A multi-site, multi-method study was carried out in 2020-2021, with 46 participants (20 adults, 26 children/family) reporting on their experiences surrounding the use of the IV Passport for up to 6 months.

RESULTS

Overall, utility rates were acceptable, with 78.3% (N = 36) using the IV Passport over the follow-up period, with high rates of planned future use for those still active in the project (N = 21; 73%), especially in the child/family cohort (N = 13; 100%). Acceptability rates were high (9/10; IQR 6.5-10), with the IV Passport primarily used for documenting new devices and complications. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes (and multiple subthemes) in the qualitative data: Advocacy for healthcare needs, Complexity of healthcare and App design and functionality.

CONCLUSION

Several recommendations were made to improve the end-user experience including 'how to' instructions; and scheduling functionality for routine care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE

The IV Passport can be safely and appropriately integrated into healthcare, to support consumers.

IMPACT

Patient-/parent-reported feedback suggests the Intravenous Passport is a useful tool for record-keeping, and positive communication between patients/parents, and clinicians.

REPORTING METHOD

Not applicable.

PATIENT CONTRIBUTION

Consumers reported their experiences surrounding the use of the IV Passport for up to 6 months.

Field studies on equine influenza vaccination regimes in thoroughbred foals and yearlings

SUMMARY

The purpose of these studies was to examine the response of Thoroughbred foals and yearlings to different influenza vaccines and vaccination regimes. The horses' antibody levels against haemagglutinin, an established correlate of protection were measured by haemagglutination inhibition. The first study investigated the extent to which maternal antibodies interfered with the humoral response to a subunit vaccine. The findings suggest that repeat vaccination in the face of maternal antibodies may induce tolerance as defined by serological testing. The second study compared the immune response elicited by a subunit immune stimulating complex (ISCOM) vaccine, an inactivated whole virus vaccine and the same product containing equine herpesviruses and equine reoviruses in addition to equine influenza virus. The monovalent vaccine induced a significantly better response than the ISCOM or the multivalent vaccine. The final study demonstrated that the inclusion of an additional booster vaccination, between the second and third vaccination recommended by the vaccine manufacturers and required under the rules of racing in certain countries, is of benefit to young horses. Since these studies were performed, several of the vaccines have been updated with more recent virus strains in line with WHO/OIE recommendations. However, the general principles investigated in the studies remain relevant to these vaccines.