Acceptability, usability and utility of a personalised application in promoting behavioural change in patients with osteoarthritis: a feasibility study in Norway

OBJECTIVE: The dynamic and interactive mobile application Vett was designed to help change behaviour and is based on cognitive, motivational and visual techniques. Our aim is to investigate the acceptability, usability and utility of Vett as a personalised application for goal achievement. SETTING: The trial took place at the rheumatology clinic at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway from January to June 2015. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve participants with osteoarthritis were recruited from a 3.5-hour multidisciplinary group-based educational programme (osteoarthritis school). INTERVENTIONS: With the help of a physician, each participant followed a customised 12-week mixed-mode goal achievement plan with digital support based on preset goals, self-monitoring and individual feedback. Acceptability was measured as the perceived degree of goal achievement using a validated habit questionnaire scaled from 0 to 100. Utility and usability were assessed via 10 weekly questions and adherence by fulfilment of predetermined tasks. RESULTS: Mean goal achievement was 73 (95% CI 68 to 78), an increase of 22 (95% Cl 17 to 26, p<0.01), which equals 48% improvement (95% CI 32% to 59%). Mean user satisfaction was 81 (95% CI 76 to 85), and technical usability was 80 (95% CI 75 to 84), which both increased during the study period. CONCLUSION: The high levels of acceptability, usability and utility support the feasibility of the personalised application Vett as a viable goal achievement tool.