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Appl Clin Inform 2025; 16(03): 544-555
DOI: 10.1055/a-2543-7444
Research Article

Developing Mobile Apps to Support Clinical Management of HIV Patients: An Observational Study

Annalisa Roveta   *
1   Research Laboratories, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
2   Integrated Laboratory of AI and Informatics in Medicine, DAIRI, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, and DISIT- University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
,
Massimo Canonico   *
2   Integrated Laboratory of AI and Informatics in Medicine, DAIRI, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, and DISIT- University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
3   Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
,
Alessia Francese   *
1   Research Laboratories, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
2   Integrated Laboratory of AI and Informatics in Medicine, DAIRI, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, and DISIT- University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
,
Eleonora Sarchi
4   Infectious Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
,
Francesca Ugo
1   Research Laboratories, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
2   Integrated Laboratory of AI and Informatics in Medicine, DAIRI, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, and DISIT- University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
,
Costanza Massarino
1   Research Laboratories, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
2   Integrated Laboratory of AI and Informatics in Medicine, DAIRI, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, and DISIT- University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
,
Serena Penpa
5   Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
,
Giorgia Piceni
5   Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
,
Luisa Barrera-León
3   Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
,
Alessandro Apeddu
3   Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
,
Emanuele Picozzi
3   Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
,
Guido Chichino
4   Infectious Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
,
Antonio Maconi
5   Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Funding This project was fully funded by the 2022 Fellowship Program sponsored by Gilead Sciences.
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Abstract

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant global health challenge, especially in Europe, including Italy, where it affects thousands. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has turned HIV into a manageable chronic condition, improving the quality of life and life expectancy for people living with HIV (PLWH). Enhancing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is essential, as it positively influences therapy adherence.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of the AURORA system, a self-monitoring tool designed for HIV+ patients, on their quality of life and healthcare management. We aimed to assess specific aspects of well-being, including sleep quality, depression, and anxiety disorders, while also measuring patient satisfaction with the application and adherence to ART.

Methods

Fifty HIV+ patients on a stable antiretroviral regimen for at least 6 months were recruited from the Infectious Diseases Department of AOU-AL and asked to download a health monitoring app. ART adherence, HRQoL, and project satisfaction were assessed through patient self-reports.

Results

A total of 50 virologically suppressed HIV+ patients were enrolled in the study, of whom eight were non-compliant with the protocol. The AURORA app was used from June 2023 to March 2024, demonstrating optimal adherence to therapy among compliant patients. A significant proportion (26.2%) reported that they found the app very beneficial, while less than 5% reported no benefit at all. Common feedback included the inability to modify certain notification settings. The results indicated significant correlations between sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Patients liked the daily assessment of self-care, synchronously monitored by clinicians, and guaranteed privacy, but several improvements need to be made.

Conclusion

Participant feedback will guide app enhancements, such as phone call integration, health data monitoring, and e-learning features to improve patient-clinician communication and personalized education. Future directions may include extending the project and adding a control group not using the app, allowing a comparison of therapy adherence and patient satisfaction between users and non-users. This would provide concrete data on the app's effectiveness in promoting therapy compliance.

Keywords

HIV/AIDS - mobile applications - digital health

Protection of Human and Animal Subjects

The study is conducted in compliance with Italian and European regulations on clinical trials and the Declaration of Helsinki throughout its duration. The principal investigator and all co-investigators follow the clinical protocol in full accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP). They maintain strict confidentiality regarding the study results and patient data, in compliance with Italian Legislative Decree No. 196/2003 and the European GDPR (679/2016).


* These authors contributed equally to this work.




Publication History

Received: 20 August 2024

Accepted: 20 February 2025

Article published online:
18 June 2025

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