Content for self-care app for patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis: Designing a mobile-based self-care app for patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis

Abstract

Background and objectives: Using self-care apps can control CL and its complications, might reduce costs, and improve treatment quality. Considering the role of self-care in patient education and treatment com-pliance, this study aimed to identify factors affecting self-care skills improvement in CL patients and designing a self-care mobile-based app for CL patients. Materials and methods: This was a developmental-applied study. First, databases such as PubMed, Sco-pus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched to obtain data elements related to CL, self-care, and surveillance. Next, a researcher-made questionnaire was prepared for information needs assessment and to determine factors affecting self-care. The questionnaire was completed by 15 dermatologists at the Center for Research & Training in Skin Diseases & Leprosy of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Collected data were then analyzed, and factors affecting self-care skills improvement were determined. Findings: The participating dermatologists considered most of the data elements listed in the needs assessment questionnaire necessary. The factors determined were User Information, Disease Information, Education, Contact with Physicians, and Useful Links. Conclusion: Using self-care for CL patients' surveillance can provide grounds for training, prevention, and treatment follow-up, thereby significantly reduce disease complications. (c) 2020 Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.