scholarly journals User-Centered Design of a Mobile App for Weight and Health Management in Adolescents With Complex Health Needs: Qualitative Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan Rivera ◽  
Amy C McPherson ◽  
Jill Hamilton ◽  
Catherine Birken ◽  
Michael Coons ◽  
...  
2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan Rivera ◽  
Amy C McPherson ◽  
Jill Hamilton ◽  
Catherine Birken ◽  
Michael Coons ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parvaneh Taymoori ◽  
Maryam Khazaee-Pool ◽  
Tahereh Pashaei ◽  
Koen Ponnet

Abstract Background Smartphone apps are becoming a gradually universal template for an offering of preventive behavior interventions among women who are at risk of getting breast cancer. Although, only limited methodological procedures on mixing model, document, and qualitative study for their developments are presented. Thus, this study was aimed to design and develop a model-based, document-driven, and user-centered mobile app framework to facilitate breast cancer preventive behaviors targeting at-risk women. Methods The present study explains how intervention progress may be enriched with a theoretic foundation, literature review, and qualitative research. A semi-structural individual interview and focus group dissection (FGD) were accomplished to combine the user’s participation in the development. Participants were employed using a purposing sampling method. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by applying the software MAXQDA. The thematic analysis method was employed for developing themes and sub-themes. Results The ASSISTS model, self-regulation model, and the self-control model were chosen to design the app framework. Data from the literature review presented the most influential document for the designing of the programs. Nineteen women were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview and FGDs. The following five main themes revealed: content, interactive performance, template, extended action and output, and motivational nature. Mobile apps are a useful tool for learning self-care tips, suitable and healthy lifestyles, and stress management, due to their user-friendly and easy feature. The mobile app framework that developed in the present study includes culture-appropriate, user-centered, and reliable content. The mobile app design should include beautiful, visualized features, and interactive multimedia. Conclusions By applying three phases way combining a model basis, the document from the literature review, and qualitative study from the target group can be held as a pattern for the prospective app design.


10.2196/14884 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. e14884 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole M Alberts ◽  
Sherif M Badawy ◽  
Jason Hodges ◽  
Jeremie H Estepp ◽  
Chinonyelum Nwosu ◽  
...  

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder causing acute complications and chronic progressive end organ damage. SCD is associated with significant morbidity, early mortality, impaired health-related quality of life, and increased acute health care utilization. Hydroxyurea is a US Food and Drug Administration–approved medication that reduces disease complications, acute health care utilization, and costs. However, adherence to hydroxyurea is suboptimal. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to improve hydroxyurea adherence, but few examples exist that are specific to the SCD population. Objective This study aimed to design a mHealth intervention for individuals with SCD to improve adherence to hydroxyurea, using a user-centered design that was informed by specific barriers to hydroxyurea adherence and utilization in this population. Methods This study consisted of 4 phases. In phase 1, individuals with SCD and health care providers participated in an optimization digital workshop. In phase 2, patients completed surveys pertaining to their interest in mHealth use, barriers and facilitators to hydroxyurea use, and health literacy. Phases 3 and 4 involved semistructured interviews and focus groups, respectively, and used the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the framework to investigate drivers of poor hydroxyurea adherence and to inform the development of an app prototype. In addition, in phase 4, we have incorporated the patients’ feedback on the preliminary app prototype and its features. Results Barriers to hydroxyurea adherence were consistent with the literature and included forgetfulness and several specific thoughts and emotions associated with hydroxyurea use (eg, fear of side effects, depression, stigma, and hopelessness). In addition, more than half of the participants reported potentially low health literacy. Preferred patient app features included 7 key components, namely (1) medication reminders and tracker, (2) disease education, (3) communication, (4) personalization, (5) motivation, (6) support during pain episodes, and (7) social support. Utilizing a user-centered design approach, data obtained from patients and providers were translated into features within the app, mapping to components of the HBM and the specific drivers of hydroxyurea adherence and matching the literacy level of the population, resulting in the development of a novel mobile app called InCharge Health. Conclusions The InCharge Health app is an mHealth intervention developed with substantial input from users and by mapping the HBM as the framework that guided the choice for its components. InCharge Health is a customized product for the SCD population aimed at optimizing medication adherence, with the end goal of improving quality of life and health outcomes among patients with SCD. The efficacy and implementation of the InCharge Health app as an mHealth intervention to promote hydroxyurea adherence will be tested in a future stepped-wedge multicenter trial for adolescents and adults with SCD.


2017 ◽  
Vol 08 (04) ◽  
pp. 1031-1043 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Rudin ◽  
Christopher Fanta ◽  
Zachary Predmore ◽  
Kevin Kron ◽  
Maria Edelen ◽  
...  

Background mHealth apps may be useful tools for supporting chronic disease management. Objective Our aim was to apply user-centered design principles to efficiently identify core components for an mHealth-based asthma symptom–monitoring intervention using patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Methods We iteratively combined principles of qualitative research, user-centered design, and “gamification” to understand patients' and providers' needs, develop and refine intervention components, develop prototypes, and create a usable mobile app to integrate with clinical workflows. We identified anticipated benefits and burdens for stakeholders. Results We conducted 19 individual design sessions with nine adult patients and seven clinicians from an academic medical center (some were included multiple times). We identified four core intervention components: (1) Invitation—patients are invited by their physicians. (2) Symptom checks—patients receive weekly five-item questionnaires via the app with 48 hours to respond. Depending on symptoms, patients may be given the option to request a call from a nurse or receive one automatically. (3) Patient review—in the app, patients can view their self-reported data graphically. (4) In-person visit—physicians have access to patient-reported symptoms in the electronic health record (EHR) where they can review them before in-person visits. As there is currently no location in the EHR where physicians would consistently notice these data, recording a recent note was the best option. Benefits to patients may include helping decide when to call their provider and facilitating shared decision making. Benefits to providers may include saving time discussing symptoms. Provider organizations may need to pay nurses extra, but those costs may be offset by reduced visits and hospitalizations. Conclusion Recent systematic reviews show inconsistent outcomes and little insight into functionalities required for mHealth asthma interventions, highlighting the need for systematic intervention design. We identified specific features for adoption and engagement that meet the stated needs of users for asthma symptom monitoring.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (CSCW1) ◽  
pp. 1-31
Author(s):  
Jessica A. Pater ◽  
Chanda Phelan ◽  
Victor P. Cornet ◽  
Ryan Ahmed ◽  
Sarah Colletta ◽  
...  

10.2196/17703 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e17703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Philip Cornet ◽  
Tammy Toscos ◽  
Davide Bolchini ◽  
Romisa Rohani Ghahari ◽  
Ryan Ahmed ◽  
...  

Background User-centered design (UCD) is a powerful framework for creating useful, easy-to-use, and satisfying mobile health (mHealth) apps. However, the literature seldom reports the practical challenges of implementing UCD, particularly in the field of mHealth. Objective This study aims to characterize the practical challenges encountered and propose strategies when implementing UCD for mHealth. Methods Our multidisciplinary team implemented a UCD process to design and evaluate a mobile app for older adults with heart failure. During and after this process, we documented the challenges the team encountered and the strategies they used or considered using to address those challenges. Results We identified 12 challenges, 3 about UCD as a whole and 9 across the UCD stages of formative research, design, and evaluation. Challenges included the timing of stakeholder involvement, overcoming designers’ assumptions, adapting methods to end users, and managing heterogeneity among stakeholders. To address these challenges, practical recommendations are provided to UCD researchers and practitioners. Conclusions UCD is a gold standard approach that is increasingly adopted for mHealth projects. Although UCD methods are well-described and easily accessible, practical challenges and strategies for implementing them are underreported. To improve the implementation of UCD for mHealth, we must tell and learn from these traditionally untold stories.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan Rivera ◽  
Amy C McPherson ◽  
Jill Hamilton ◽  
Catherine Birken ◽  
Michael Coons ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Growing research has been conducted into the deployment and evaluation of mobile technology interventions for weight management in adolescents. However, no work has yet been conducted toward the development of these technologies for adolescents with complex health needs receiving specialized tertiary-level health care. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to conduct a user-centered needs assessment of adolescents interested in weight management with complex health needs requiring specialized health care services, their parents, and health care providers (HCPs) to inform the design and development of a mobile app for weight and health management. METHODS A qualitative study design was employed. Participants were recruited from two tertiary health care centers. Separate audiotaped focus group interviews were conducted with adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, parents, and HCPs. Interviews were transcribed, and field notes were collected by research staff. Iterative simple content analysis was performed independently by 4 research team members using computer software NVivo (QSR International) 10.0. RESULTS A total of 19 adolescents, 16 parents, and 21 HCPs were interviewed. Qualitative analysis revealed seven major themes related to app functionality: healthy eating, social support, self-monitoring, communicating with HCPs, supporting mental health, gamification and incentives, and user interface (UI) design. Adolescents provided several ideas related to each feature, whereas parents’ views focused on assistance with meal planning and greater access to HCPs. HCPs viewed the app as a novel and more acceptable platform to connect remotely with adolescents than conventional methods. They also strongly endorsed the value of social support capabilities and the ability to connect with an HCP. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to conduct a qualitative needs assessment in adolescents receiving specialized health care services toward the design of a mobile app for weight and health management. Our results indicate that core components of the app should include tailored meal recommendations and assistance with meal planning, social networking for peer support, customized and convenient tracking, remote access to HCPs, features to support mental health, and an attractive and engaging UI. These findings will be used to develop and evaluate a mobile app targeting adolescents with complex health needs.


Author(s):  
Tracey D. Wallace ◽  
John T. Morris

AbstractThis paper describes the research and development of the SwapMyMood smartphone application designed to support use of evidence-based executive function strategies by people with traumatic brain injury. Executive dysfunction is a common sequela of traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting in diminished cognitive-behavioral functioning. Problem-solving and emotion regulation are cognitive-behavioral functions that are often disrupted by changes in the executive control system. SwapMyMood is an electronic version of the Executive Plus/STEP program, a set of clinical techniques taught to people living with brain injury to help them 1) identify and implement solutions to problems encountered in daily life and 2) to utilize the emotion cycle to understand and regulate emotional responses to these problems. The Executive Plus/STEP program has until now relied on paper-based instruction and use. Input from target users – people with brain injury and clinical professionals who teach this program to their patients – has contributed to key refinements of features and functioning of the mobile app. Data gathered from target user participation in the user-centered design process are presented. Future directions for ongoing development of technologies to support executive function strategies are also discussed.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Sanchez Antelo ◽  
Lucila Szwarc ◽  
Melisa Paolino ◽  
Diana Saimovici ◽  
Silvia Massaccesi ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing detects sexually transmitted infection with oncogenic types of HPV. For many HPV-positive women, this result has negative connotations. It produces anxiety, fear of cancer or death, and disease denial. Face-to-face counseling could present many difficulties in its implementation but a counseling mobile-app could be practical and may help HPV-positive women reduce the psychosocial impact of the result, improve their knowledge on HPV and cervical cancer, and increase adherence to follow-up. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand HPV-tested women’s perceptions about an app as a tool to receive information and support to reduce the emotional impact of HPV-positive results. We investigated their preferences regarding app design, content, and framing. METHODS We conducted formative research based on a user-centered design approach. We carried out 29 individual online interviews with HPV-positive women aged 30 and over, and four focus groups with 19 women through a virtual platform. We shared a draft of the app's potential screens with a provisional label of the possible content, options menus, draft illustrations, and wording. This allowed us to give women understandable triggers to debate the concepts involved in each screen. The draft content and labels were developed drawing from the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Integrative Behavioral Model’s (IBM) variables and findings of mHealth literature. We used a focus group guide to generate data for the information architecture (i.e., how to organize contents into features). We carried out thematic analysis using constructs from the HBM and IBM to identify content preferences and turn them into app features. We used the RQDA package of R software for data processing. RESULTS We found that participants required more information regarding the procedures they had received, what HPV-positive means, what the causes of HPV are, and its consequences on their sexuality. The women mentioned fear of the disease and stated they had concerns and misconceptions, such as believing that HPV-positive is a synonym for cancer. They accepted the app as a tool to obtain information and to reduce fears related to HPV-positive results. They would use a mobile app under doctor or health authority recommendation. The women did not agree with the draft organization of screens and contents. They believed the app should first offer information on HPV and then provide customized content according to the users’ needs. The app should provide information via videos with experts and testimonies of other HPV-positive women and suggested a medical appointment reminder feature. The app should also offer information through illustrations, or infographics, but not pictures or solely text. CONCLUSIONS Providing information that meets women’s needs and counseling could be a method to reduce fears. A mobile-app seems to be an acceptable and suitable tool to help HPV-positive women. CLINICALTRIAL N/A


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