A user-centred approach to inform the design of a mobile application for STI diagnosis and management

Abstract

Mobile, pervasive, and ubiquitous computing technologies have the potential to transform healthcare by providing solutions to diagnose conditions and manage care. This paper describes a patient-centred approach to the design of a mobile application to support self-testing for sexually transmitted infections, providing easy and immediate access to diagnosis, treatment via electronic prescription, and partner notification. This paper presents the results of a series of focus group discussions with young people to explore their perceptions of the proposed system and discusses the emergent design principles that present challenges for user interface design and require consideration prior to the adoption of this mobile-based sexual health care.

Can Internet-Based Sexual Health Services Increase Diagnoses of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)? Protocol for a Randomized Evaluation of an Internet-Based STI Testing and Results Service

“…Recent exploratory qualitative studies with young people in the United Kingdom suggest that Internet or mobile applications of sexual health services are likely to be acceptable to this population, due to ease and convenience. Privacy, trust and credibility of websites or apps were highlighted as important considerations for service development [ 12 , 13 ]. However, there is some uncertainty on whether Internet services can reach marginalized populations.…”

Are HIV Smartphone Apps and Online Interventions Fit for Purpose?

“…Widespread access to the Internet and the many web and smartphone apps available mean there is the potential to reduce the gaps in HIV prevention, testing and management. Existing m-Health prevention and management initiatives for HIV include promotional prevention messages, test result notification, and improvement to adherence for anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and management [13,14]. While phone-based interventions for HIV have mainly utilised voice or text messaging (SMS) functions, smartphones are capable of delivering more complex, interactive, and tailored interventions via mobile web and native apps [13,14].…”

“…One of the reasons for accessing home testing and online interventions is privacy and poor design interferes with that goal. Some studies have highlighted how young people do not want to use HIV related apps for fear of others identifying the app's purpose from its icon or finding the app on their phones [14]. Apps and online interventions can potentially be convenient and discreet.…”

“…Thus, technology designers need to design appropriately for HIV information seeking and post-diagnosis support apps to not cause unintended disclosure and embarrassment due to notifications or visual design. This could be done through more neutral language and iconography [23], by providing security features such as password protection [14] and through discreet user interface design. Dating and hookup apps are increasingly focusing on these issues [35] and this learning can be extended to HIV-related apps.…”

“…From the person seeking information following a sexual encounter, to someone using a self-testing kit at home with no immediate access to care, to the person living with HIV, apps can provide support. This is a significant opportunity to bring together the strengths of HCI, with relevant clinical expertise, to address issues common to apps for other health conditions [14,21] and those specific to sexual health/ HIV.…”