Family Nurse Practitioners' Use of mHealth Apps for Health Promotion with Patient

Due to the significant prevalence of chronic illnesses in the United States, engaging patients in health promotion activities is imperative. mHealth apps have the ability to complement the family nurse practitioner's (FNP) prescribed care plan, and offer a user friendly, convenient method to promote healthy behaviors and lessen the prevalence of chronic disease. The purpose of this descriptive, quantitative study was to describe FNPs' intent to use and use of mHealth apps for health promotion with their patients using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and to determine the types and frequencies of apps recommended by FNPs. Data were collected using a survey, and participants comprised 303 FNPs from throughout the United States. Overall, FNPs reported that constructs of the UTAUT were positively related to behavioral intent and usage of mHealth apps as an adjunct to care. Nearly 70% of FNPs recommended some type of mHealth app to patients, but the frequency with which FNPs recommended apps to patients was low. Patient portal apps were recommended most commonly by FNPs, followed by diet and nutrition apps and fitness apps. Although all of the UTAUT constructs influenced mHealth app use with patients, there are many considerations which may hinder app use in clinical practice, including app reliability, patient safety, data encryption, privacy, effects on FNP efficiency, and usability. As a new technology, there is a growing body of research surrounding mHealth apps. This study presents many implications for nursing practice, education and future research.