Evaluating Diabetes Mobile Applications for Health Literate Designs and Functionality, 2014

Abstract

IntroductionThe expansion of mobile health technologies, particularly for diabetes-related applications (apps), grew exponentially in the past decade. This study sought to examine the extent to which current mobile apps for diabetes have health literate features recommended by participants in an Institute of Medicine Roundtable and compare the health literate features by app cost (free or not).MethodsWe used diabetes-related keywords to identify diabetes-related apps for iOS devices. A random sample of 110 apps (24% of total number of apps identified) was selected for coding. The coding scheme was adapted from the discussion paper produced by participants in the Institute of Medicine Roundtable.ResultsMost diabetes apps in this sample addressed diabetes management and therapeutics, and paid apps were more likely than free apps to use plain language strategies, to label links clearly, and to have at least 1 feature (a “back” button) that helps with the organization.ConclusionPaid apps were more likely than free apps to use strategies that should be more useful and engaging for people with low health literacy. Future work can investigate ways to make free diabetes mobile apps more user-friendly and accessible.

Usability factors of mobile health application for chronic diseases

“…It is believed that usability and health literacy strategies should guide the development of m-Health apps [14]. The people with low health literacy are less likely to obtain prevention services [30]. Increasing mobile health literacy will promote self-efficacy, and use of health apps [31].…”

“…Many patients are using these health applications, but health care providers often fail to realize the intended effects of their Health systems due to poor usability and lack of user response and attitude towards these applications [38]. One study demonstrates that diabetes chronic disease apps show a lack of personal feedback and usability issues [30]. Despite the widely held belief that the computerization of health information systems contributes to improved quality of patient care and care management, studies have found medical staff feedback toward computerization to be negative [39].…”

Usability of Commercially Available Mobile Applications for Diverse Patients

“…17 In addition, studies have identified mobile health app usability barriers for older patients. 18 While researchers have evaluated the usability of diabetes apps themselves, [19][20][21] there have been very few studies that have examined the usability of commercially available mobile apps among end-users-especially among a predominantly lower income patient population.…”

Non-Prescription Medicine Mobile Healthcare Application: Smartphone-Based Software Design and Development Review

“…But, the challenges during the development of the healthcare applications have to be the consideration of the real users' needs [26][27][28][29][30]. When the expectations such as reliability, stability, security and accuracy are also important points to be concerned in developing useful healthcare applications.…”

“…Both versions have been prepared under Android operation system platform, because the majority of mobile device users is based on Android operating system. The user satisfaction for both user interface design [26] and user acceptance were applied [27][28][29][30]. Functions from the first version NMMHA have been improved corresponding to user suggestion which is indicated in Table 2.…”