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Objective The purpose of this study was to coproduce a smart-phone application for digital falls reporting in people with Parkinson disease (PD) and to determine usability using an explanatory mixed-methods approach. Methods This study was undertaken in 3 phases. Phase 1 was the development phase, in which people with PD were recruited as co-researchers to the project. The researchers, alongside a project advisory group, coproduced the app over 6 months. Phase 2 was the implementation phase, in which 15 people with PD were invited to test the usability of the app. Phase 3 was the evaluation phase, in which usability was assessed using the systems usability scale by 2 focus groups with 10 people with PD from phase 2. Results A prototype was successfully developed by researchers and the project advisory group. The usability of the app was determined as good (75.8%) by people with PD when rating using the systems usability scale. Two focus groups (n = 5 per group) identified themes of 1) usability, 2) enhancing and understanding management of falls, and 3) recommendations and future developments. Conclusions A successful prototype of the iFall app was developed and deemed easy to use by people with PD. The iFall app has potential use as a self-management tool for people with PD alongside integration into clinical care and research studies. Impact This is the first digital outcome tool to offer reporting of falls and near-miss fall events. The app may benefit people with PD by supporting self-management, aiding clinical decisions in practice, and providing an accurate and reliable outcome measure for future research. Lay Summary A smartphone application designed in collaboration with people who have PD to record their falls was acceptable and easy to use by people with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition. Due to the heterogeneity of symptoms that may be experienced, individualised treatment plans are essential. Hear Me Now (HMN) is an app developed for individuals with learning disabilities. Anecdotal evidence suggested people with chronic conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, might also benefit from using HMN in managing their complex health condition. Aims: This feasibility study sought to explore whether HMN was suitable for use in people with Parkinson's disease. Methods: A purposive sample of 4 people with Parkinson's were recruited. Following training, participants used the HMN app at home over 3 months. Interviews were used to explore their use of functions within the app; ease of use; any impact it had on their daily life; any barriers or facilitators to using the app. Findings: Most participants found HMN beneficial in managing their health condition. Conclusion: The HMN app merits further research for use in patient self-management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mobile technology and applications offer a new approach to personalised care for older people. Hear Me Now (HMN), developed by Maldaba Ltd, is an application for smartphones and tablets. Although originally conceived and co-produced by individuals with learning disabilities and their supporters, anecdotal evidence from specialist practitioners indicated that older people with chronic health conditions and frailty might also benefit from use of the HMN app. This feasibility study sought to explore whether older people could use the HMN app and examine their usage. The aim of this feasibility study was to explore whether older people could use HMN and to examine their usage of this application. Design/methodology/approach: A purposive sample of six individuals (M = 4; F = 2) aged between 65 and 90 years was recruited for the study. Following training, the participants used HMN at home for different purposes over three months. Concurrently, the participants took part in an online interview every three weeks (N = 5 interviews). They also completed the Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire during Weeks 1 and 12 and the system usability scale during Week 12 to assess usability of HMN. Findings: The participants used the HMN app for a range of purposes and indicated that their confidence and skills increased when using HMN. Though the participants reported diverse experiences of using HMN for different purposes, it was clear the majority considered this app helpful in managing daily life and their health conditions; however, they also experienced barriers in its use such as dexterity and visual problems. Research limitations/implications: This is a small feasibility study that was restricted to older people using the HMN app. Though valuable insights were obtained from the participants, the evidence that older people could use HMN to support their personal activities and to self-manage health conditions remains anecdotal. Further research is therefore warranted following adaptation of HMN for use by older people. Originality/value: This study indicates that patient self-management apps such as HMN have the potential to enable older adults with long-term health conditions to play an active role in managing their condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]