Exploratory Investigation of the Acceptance and Utility of 14-day Trial Periods and Application-related Outcome Measurement (AbEM) Within the Routine Prescription of the DiGA Axia.
This study is checking how useful and accepted a health app called Axia is for people with a form of arthritis called axial spondyloarthritis. We're providing the app to these patients as it would usually be prescribed. Some participants will get to try the Axia app for 14 days right away, even before their official access code arrives from their health insurance. Others will follow the usual process. We'll look at how many people then go on to fully activate the app. We're also asking some people to complete a short, voluntary questionnaire at 6 and 12 weeks to see how they feel about tracking their progress with the app. This helps us understand how accessible and helpful digital health tools are in real life.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research is looking into a new health app called Axia, which is designed for people with a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine, called axial spondyloarthritis. In some countries, like Germany, doctors can prescribe digital health apps just like they prescribe medicines, and health insurance will cover them. This study is exploring two main things about how these apps are introduced and used.
Firstly, we're testing if giving people a free 14-day trial of the Axia app makes them more likely to use it in the long run. Sometimes there's a delay between when a doctor prescribes an app and when the patient gets their activation code from their health insurance. We want to see if allowing people to start using the app immediately for two weeks, before their official code arrives, helps them get into the habit and stick with it.
Secondly, we're exploring how people feel about tracking their progress using the app. This involves asking some users to complete a short questionnaire at certain times (6 and 12 weeks into using the app). This helps us understand if these types of measurements are helpful and easy for patients to do. The insights from this study could help make digital health apps more user-friendly and effective for everyone in the future.
Key takeaways
- Study examines a health app (Axia) for spinal arthritis.
- Compares immediate 14-day app access vs. standard waiting time.
- Aims to understand app acceptance and real-world usefulness.
- Participation involves using the app and possibly completing short, voluntary surveys.
- No extra hospital visits or medical procedures are required.
- Your data will be anonymous and cannot be linked back to you.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult with axial spondyloarthritis, which is a type of arthritis mainly affecting the spine. You also need to be someone whose doctor would normally prescribe the Axia app for your condition.
You should be willing to use the Axia app as part of your regular care. This means you’re open to trying a digital health tool to help manage your condition. You will also need to be willing to activate the app using a special leaflet or brochure we provide.
Essentially, if you're an adult with the relevant condition, and happy to try the app as prescribed, you're likely to be suitable for this study. If you don't meet these basic requirements, then unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you an adult (18 years or older)?
- Do you have axial spondyloarthritis?
- Would your doctor normally prescribe the Axia app for your condition?
- Are you willing to use a health app to help manage your condition?
- Are you happy to activate the app using an information brochure?
What does participation involve?
If you take part in this study, you will be prescribed the Axia app just as you would in your usual care for axial spondyloarthritis. You'll be given an information brochure to help you get started. Some participants will get to try the Axia app for 14 days right away, even before their official access code arrives through their health insurance. Others will follow the standard way of getting access, which means waiting for their official code before they can start using the app.
This study doesn't involve any extra doctor's visits or medical tests. You'll be using the Axia app as you normally would. As part of the study, you might be asked to voluntarily fill out a short, five-question questionnaire about your experience using the app. This would happen at 6 weeks and again at 12 weeks after you start. We will collect information from your app usage, but it will be anonymous so it can't be linked back to you personally. The total duration of your involvement in the study would be around 12 weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (7)
- University Hospital of WuerzburgVerified postcodeWürzburg, Germany· Recruiting
- Praxisgemeinschaft Rheumatologie Nephrologie ErlangenVerified postcodeErlangen, Germany· Recruiting
- University Hospital of ErlangenVerified postcodeErlangen, Germany· Recruiting
- MVZ RheumatologieVerified postcodeHamburg, Germany· Recruiting
- Rheumatologische Gemeinschaftspraxis HattingenVerified postcodeHattingen, Germany· Recruiting
- University Hospital of MarburgVerified postcodeMarburg, Germany· Recruiting
- Klinikum NürnbergVerified postcodeNuremberg, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Axia?
Axia is a digital health app designed to help people manage axial spondyloarthritis, a type of arthritis affecting the spine.
Will I have to pay for the app?
No, if you are prescribed the app as part of your care, your health insurance would cover the cost, just like a prescription medicine. The study doesn't change this.
What does 'axial spondyloarthritis' mean?
It's a long-term condition that causes pain and stiffness, mainly in the spine and sometimes other joints.
Do I have to fill out the questionnaires?
No, completing the questionnaires about your progress is completely voluntary. It's up to you if you want to share your feedback.
What happens if I stop using the app?
You are free to stop using the app or leave the study at any time. It won't affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Patrick-Pascal Strunz, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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