SPARC Smartphone Application for the Management of Sarcoidosis-Associated Fatigue

The SPARC App: A Smartphone Application for the Management of Sarcoidosis-Associated Fatigue

Fatigue is a pervasive and disabling symptom in sarcoidosis with limited treatment options. There is a significant association between heightened stress and sarcoidosis-associated fatigue. The proposed project will evaluate the usability/feasibility of a smartphone-based stress management application for the self-management of sarcoidosis-associated stress and fatigue.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Sarcoidosis diagnosis based on established criteria
• ≥18 years old
• able to speak, hear, and understand English
• elevated SAF (FAS score ≥22)
• owns smartphone with current data plan
• willingness and ability to use app to engage in Breathing Awareness Meditation (BAM)

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, narcolepsy, cancer diagnosis or treatment in past 12 months
• positive screening for potential major depression (Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale [PHQ-8; α = .86] score ≥10)
• untreated sleep apnea (based on home sleep study testing)
• sarcoidosis exacerbation in past 3 months requiring increase in sarcoidosis medications
• >2 hr travel distance to medical center (to reduce likelihood of no-show for focus groups)
• active substance abuse or binge drinking (>21 drinks/week )