Design, development and evaluation of registry software for upper limb disabilities

Abstract

Upper limb disabilities, if not managed, controlled and treated, significantly affect the physical and mental condition, daily activities and quality of life. Registries can help control and manage and even treat these disabilities by collecting clinical-management data of upper limb disabilities. Therefore, the aim of this study is to design, develop and evaluate a registry system for upper limb disabilities in terms of usability. By having identified data elements in the exploratory phase, we developed our registry software using hypertext preprocessor (PHP) programming language in XAMPP software, version 8.1.10. The content and interface validity of the pre-final version were assessed by 13 experts in the field of medical informatics and health information management. The registry has capabilities to create user profiles, record patient history, clinical records, independence in daily activities, mental health, and treatment processes. It can also generate statistical reports. Participants evaluated the registry's usability as “good” across different dimensions. The registry can help understand upper limb disabilities, improve care, reduce costs and errors, determine incidence and prevalence, evaluate prevention and treatment, and support research and policymaking. The registry can serve as a model for designing registries for other body disabilities.