Electronic versus paper activity and fatigue diary use in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

Background: This pilot study evaluates whether an electronic activity diary (e-diary) (smartphone application) differs from the paper version (p-diary) in terms of number of entries, frequency of diary entries, preference for... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
This pilot study evaluates whether an electronic activity diary (e-diary) (smartphone application) differs from the paper version (p-diary) in terms of number of entries, frequency of diary entries, preference for use, satisfaction and usability, in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Method:
Fifteen people with MS (age 56,7 +/- 6.67 years) were randomized to e-diary first (group A, n=9) or p-diary first group (group B, n=6). Both paper and electronic diaries were used for three consecutive days within two weeks. Satisfaction and usability were assessed with D-QUEST (Demers et al. 2002; Wessels & De Witte 2003).
Results:
All participants registered more activities in the p-diary than in the e-diary (14.72 vs 8.65; p <0.001). Subjects who started recording using the paper version registered more activities in the e-diary than those who used the e-diary first (12.89 vs 5.93; p <0.001). Groups did not differ in the frequency of registration.
Satisfaction with the ease of use is significantly lower in the e-diary (33.3% vs 66.6%), as well as the effectiveness (41.6% vs 83.3%) and general satisfaction (41.7% vs 83.3%) compared to the p-diary. Yet, 58.3% of the participants prefer the smartphone application to complete the diary.
Conclusion:
People with MS registered less activities when using the e-diary compared to the paper version. Despite lower satisfaction scores, the majority preferred e-diaries.
Application to Practice:
Activity registration using e-diaries is not similar to p-diaries. Depending on upper limb capabilities and daily occupations, e-diaries may be preferred. Further research is necessary to optimize e-diaries.