Validation and usability of a mobile phone application for epidemiological surveillance of traumatic dental injuries

Abstract

Background/Aim Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are a public health problem, given their prevalence and consequences. However, their epidemiology is uncertain due to a general lack of quality data capture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and usability of a mobile phone‐based application for community‐based surveillance of traumatic dental injuries. Materials and Methods A mobile phone‐based application, Dental Trauma Tracker (DTT), was developed. This system involves a mobile application for general users to report TDIs and a Web application for researchers to generate epidemiological data. The DTT evaluation used mixed methods and was conducted in three phases: (a) validation of a trauma identification system using preselected TDI images; (b) design evaluation by experts; and (c) usability evaluation measured by the reporting of three fictitious TDI cases and using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Results In the first phase, 182 participants participated. Most images showed over 95% accuracy, indicating that they adequately represented the type of dentoalveolar trauma being evaluated (κ = 0.75). The design evaluation identified nine usability problems—four of them with a “High priority” to be fixed, four with “Low priority,” and one “No fix necessary.” A total of 29 volunteers participated in the usability evaluation. The mean time for users to complete all of the reports was 7.8 ± 3.0 minutes. Mean SUS score was 67.4 ± 21.9 (Range: 0‐100; worst to best). The global agreement between cases registered with the gold standard was also “Substantial” (κ = 0.71). Conclusions This preliminary evaluation confirmed the App's usability, using a sample of potential users, as well as reporting on the results of an expert panel review of the DTT. These are the minimum requirements necessary before further expansion and widespread implementation occurs to confirm these results.

Web-based dental trauma database using Eden Baysal dental trauma index: a turkish multicenter study

“…This data collection process allowed researchers to systematically and easily enter data, allowing online storage of collected data and more convenient reporting and evaluation of results. Similar to the previous studies (24,27), using the web-based online application by researchers in different centers all over Turkey gives hope for a data collection and evaluation process at the national level.…”

The development of a dental trauma application in Portuguese Language

“…18 Some studies evaluated the effectiveness of different apps in correct diagnosis of dental trauma and verified that apps are effective in assisting the diagnosis of dental trauma. 10,11,18,19 There are many applications in English language available for both patients and dentists in the emergency management of traumatic dental injuries -like Trauma First Aid, Dental Crown Repair i.e., 18 however applications following the Dental Trauma Guidelines, [12][13][14] in Portuguese language are limited.…”

“…9 However, access to information is now reaching new heights and the use of software applications (apps) in smartphones has been indicated as an useful tool to increase dental trauma knowledge and management. 10,11 Nonetheless, most of these dental trauma apps are available only in English language which makes it unfeasible for users not familiar with the language.…”

Effect of Educational Progressive Web Application on Patient’s Oral and Denture Knowledge and Hygiene: A Randomised Controlled Trial

“…The development of this PWA was based on user-centred design principles [20]. It was validated using a mixed-method approach consisting of expert assessment of content and design and user involvement [21]. The nal layout of the PWA after re nement (Fig 1.) was pilot tested before the study.…”