Ten Steps to Design a Counseling App to Reduce the Psychosocial Impact of Human Papillomavirus Testing on the Basis of a User-Centered Design Approach in a Low- and Middle-Income Setting

Abstract

PURPOSE This study describes the 10 steps followed to produce the information architecture of a user-centered design (UCD) counseling mobile application, the first phase to develop an app. The app aims to reduce the psychosocial impact of the human papillomavirus test result and improve women's knowledge of human papilloma virus and cervical cancer. METHODS We used a UCD approach to produce the information architecture of the app (ie, how to organize contents into features). We analyzed field notes, meeting agendas, and documentation produced during each stage of the design process. We described the goals, methods, and outcomes of each step. We also discussed the critical challenges and the strategies to address them. RESULTS The steps are (1) knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs mapping: reanalysis of team's research findings from prior studies; (2) environmental scanning of apps available on the market; (3) stakeholders' point of view: The International Advisory Committee; (4) potential user's profile: building archetypes through the Persona method; (5) women's interviews: user's preferences and experiences; (6) effective features: scoping review to select app's features that address psychosocial impact; (7) the user journey: ideal interaction with the gynecological service and the counseling app; (8) women's focus groups: using Personas and Scenarios to discuss app's mock-up; (9) women's design sessions: prototype test and card-sorting techniques; and (10) team's design session: translating results into visual objects and features. CONCLUSION We provide here detailed descriptions of the UCD process of an app for human papillomavirus–tested women for those venturing into the area of mHealth strategies work. Our experience can be used as a guide for future mHealth app development for a low- and middle-income setting.

Human Factors and Organizational Issues: Contributions from 2022

“…Thematically, we found noteworthy publications on all aspects of health and wellbeing, reflecting and refracting the theme of "one health". Implementation is a central consideration [1,2]. The focus may be individuals in good health looking to stay healthy [2] or to maintain motivation towards healthy behaviors [3], or people living with an acute or chronic condition [4,5].…”

Innovation to Advance Cancer Control Equitably

“…In their paper, they suggest that the app constitutes a low-cost, easy-to-use tool that can change how women access evidence-based information and counseling for HPV and support women's follow-up and adherence to treatment for cervical cancer. 10 Finally, the European Cancer Organization highlights feasible solutions and steps targeting key inequalities in Europe related to social determinants such as age, sex, race and ethnicity, and east-west divide. The European Cancer Organization Inequalities Network has been working to elevate these issues on the EU agenda through the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and the new Cancer Inequalities Register.…”

“…In their paper, they suggest that the app constitutes a low-cost, easy-to-use tool that can change how women access evidence-based information and counseling for HPV and support women's follow-up and adherence to treatment for cervical cancer. 10 …”