Design, development, utility and usability testing of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App^© among primary care physicians and patients with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to design, develop, assess and refine the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App© among primary care physicians (PCP) and patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in primary care. Methodology Using the software-development-life-cycle (SDLC) iterative model, storyboard and wireframe were drafted; and a mock prototype was designed to illustrate the content and function graphically. Subsequently, a working prototype was developed. Qualitative studies using the ‘think-aloud’ and cognitive-task-analysis methods were conducted for the utility and usability testing. Topic guide was based on the 10-Nielsen's-Heuristic-Principles. Utility testing was conducted among PCP in which they ‘thought-aloud’ while performing tasks using the mobile app. Usability testing was conducted among MetS patients after they were given the app for 3 weeks. They ‘thought-aloud’ while performing tasks using the app. Interviews were audio- and video-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was performed. Result Seven PCP and nine patients participated in the utility and usability testing, respectively. Six themes (efficiency of use, user control and freedom, appearance and aesthetic features, clinical content, error prevention, and help and documentation) emerged. PCP found the mobile app attractive and relevant sections were easy to find. They suggested adding ‘zoom/swipe’ functions and some parts needed bigger fonts. Patients commented that the app was user-friendly, has nice interface, and straightforward language. It helped them understand their health better. Based on these findings, the mobile app was refined. Conclusion This app was produced using a robust SDLC method to increase users’ satisfaction and sustainability of its use. It could potentially improve self-management behaviour among MetS patients in primary care.

Factors Associated With Achievement of Blood Pressure, Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), and Glycemic Targets for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases Among High Cardiovascular Risk Malaysians in Primary Care

“…Self-management booklet or mobile application use was defined as participants’ self-reported utilization of EMPOWER-SUSTAIN ® booklet and mobile application as self-empowerment tools to manage their CV risk factors. 20 …”

Factors associated with usability of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-management mobile app© among individuals with cardiovascular risk factors in primary care

“… 13 With this in mind, the booklet was transformed into the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App©. 13 , 14 This app consists of eight sections, namely ‘My Profile’, ‘My Cardiovascular Risks’, ‘My Treatment Targets’, ‘My Check-Up’, ‘My Weight Management’, ‘My Smoking Habit’, ‘My Self-Management’ and ‘My Medication’. 13 , 14 The design, development, testing and refinement of the mobile app, including its specific features and functionalities to support CV risk factor self-management have been elaborated in great details in a recent publication.…”

“… 13 , 14 This app consists of eight sections, namely ‘My Profile’, ‘My Cardiovascular Risks’, ‘My Treatment Targets’, ‘My Check-Up’, ‘My Weight Management’, ‘My Smoking Habit’, ‘My Self-Management’ and ‘My Medication’. 13 , 14 The design, development, testing and refinement of the mobile app, including its specific features and functionalities to support CV risk factor self-management have been elaborated in great details in a recent publication. 14 The section on ‘My Self-Management’ consists of subsections on ‘My Home Blood Pressure’, ‘My Home Blood Sugar’, ‘My Daily Food Plan’, ‘My Exercise’ and ‘My Achievement’ where patients can use the app to record and monitor their blood pressure (BP), blood sugar, daily food intake and exercise at home.…”

“… 13 , 14 The design, development, testing and refinement of the mobile app, including its specific features and functionalities to support CV risk factor self-management have been elaborated in great details in a recent publication. 14 The section on ‘My Self-Management’ consists of subsections on ‘My Home Blood Pressure’, ‘My Home Blood Sugar’, ‘My Daily Food Plan’, ‘My Exercise’ and ‘My Achievement’ where patients can use the app to record and monitor their blood pressure (BP), blood sugar, daily food intake and exercise at home. 14 This mobile app is currently being used in the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Clinic at our primary care centre among patients with CV risk factors.…”

“… 14 The section on ‘My Self-Management’ consists of subsections on ‘My Home Blood Pressure’, ‘My Home Blood Sugar’, ‘My Daily Food Plan’, ‘My Exercise’ and ‘My Achievement’ where patients can use the app to record and monitor their blood pressure (BP), blood sugar, daily food intake and exercise at home. 14 This mobile app is currently being used in the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Clinic at our primary care centre among patients with CV risk factors. However, the usability of this app among these patients was not known.…”