Monitoring app enhances life quality of COPD patients on HO therapy

Using the AppO2, a mobile app designed for the clinical monitoring of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on home oxygen (HO) therapy, helps improve the quality of life of these individuals, reports a study.

“In addition, the app is highly accepted by users, promotes self-care, and fosters patient confidence in managing their own condition,” the researchers said.

Forty-five participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG; n=23), which used the mobile app in addition to conventional monitoring, or the control group (n=22), which received only conventional monitoring, administered by therapists over a duration of 3 months.

The COPD assessment test (CAT) score was the primary outcome, along with the level of dyspnoea measured by the Borg scale, and oxygen saturation percentage, assessed at both the beginning and end of the trial. Secondary outcomes included the frequency of app use, the number of hospitalization, and survival rates. The researchers also carried out a satisfaction survey and an interview with the IG.

Participants used the mobile app for a median of 21 days. At the end of the follow-up, patients using the AppO2 for HO therapy monitoring had significantly lower dyspnoea scale than controls (mean 0.6 vs 4.1; p=0.001). [J Med Internet Res 2025;27:e65888]

When measuring the impact of COPD on quality of life, no significant differences in CAT scores were seen between baseline and end of follow-up within the control group, but there was a substantial decrease noted in the IG (baseline vs final median, 27 vs 22; p<0.001).

Moreover, a significantly higher CAT score was observed in patients receiving conventional monitoring relative to those monitored using the mobile app (median, 30 vs 22; p=0.02).

“The use of AppO2 is associated with a better quality of life in patients with COPD receiving HO therapy,” the researchers said. 

Acceptability

Participants report a high degree of satisfaction with and adherence to the AppO2. Additionally, the mobile app promoted self-care among patients with COPD and allowed them to have confidence in managing their disease.

Previous studies have shown a decline in adherence to mobile health apps over time, particularly after an initial phase of intensive use. This decline may affect clinical outcomes, but factors such as regular reminders and personalization may prolong app use. [J Inform Nurs 2018;3:6-11; Transl Behav Med 2017;7:254-267; JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020;8:e17447]

Although the “novelty” of mobile apps often wears off following the first few months, long-term user retention may improve with intuitive design and ongoing support from health professionals. [J Med Internet Res 2012;14:e152]

In the current study, the median number of app logins was 21 days during the 3-month follow-up period, while the maximum time offline was 10 days.

"These data reflect a pattern of use that aligns with the app’s design and does not require continuous daily access to be effective,” the researchers said. “The design’s simplicity, vital sign notifications, and ease of use have been key factors in maintaining patient engagement.”