Mobile Health to Support Community-Integration of Individuals With Disabilities Using iMHere 2.0: Focus Group Study

BACKGROUND: Mobile health (mHealth) systems that support self-management can improve medical, functional, and psychosocial outcomes for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. The mHealth systems can potentially be expanded to support community integration. OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to (1) partner with a community-based organization that supports community integration of individuals with disabilities; (2) identify software requirements needed to support community participation; and (3) iteratively refine an existing mHealth application to include new requirements. METHODS: Community Living and Support Services (CLASS), a nonprofit organization that serves individuals with disabilities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was identified as the focus group for this study. Key stakeholders within the Community Partners Program at CLASS proposed design requirements for an existing mHealth application, Interactive Mobile Health and Rehabilitation (iMHere) 2.0, that has been used to support self-management. RESULTS: We gathered qualitative data from a focus group composed of CLASS members to develop and iteratively revise iMHere 2.0 to include new modules and features to support community integration. A caregiver app was also developed. The new system contains features to support finance, transportation, client and caregiver communication, calendar and checklist management, upcoming medical and nonmedical appointments, social engagement, pain management, and access to a personal profile. Modifications were made to the following existing modules: education, mood, personal health record, goals, medications, and nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: A successful partnership with a community-based organization that supports individuals with disabilities resulted in a newly designed mHealth system with features to support community integration.