SMARTWOMAN™: Feasibility assessment of a smartphone app to control cardiovascular risk factors in vulnerable diabetic women

Abstract

Background/Hypothesis: SMARTWOMAN™ was designed to develop and assess the feasibility of a smartphone app to control cardiovascular risk factors in vulnerable diabetic women. Methods: Fourteen African-American women with diabetes and without known cardiovascular disease were enrolled. A weight-scale, glucometer, sphygmomanometer, and FitBit were synchronized to the smartphone, and text messaging was provided. Follow-up was 6 months. Results: Patients were able to follow instructions for app use and device prompts. Weekly device reporting was 85% for blood glucose, 82.5% for daily steps, and 77% for systolic blood pressure. Patient engagement levels were 85% to 100% at 1 month and 50% to 78% at month 6. The majority reported text messages to be useful, easy to understand, and appropriate in frequency. The women indicated on the exit questionnaire that study participation increased their motivation and ability to take charge of their health. Conclusions: Use of a smartphone app to control cardiovascular risk factors appears feasible in a population of vulnerable indigent African-American diabetic women, resulted in increased patient satisfaction and positive reinforcement to healthy behaviors, and warrants a larger clinical outcome trial.