Alert calls in remote health: Cultural adaptation and usability inspection for China

Abstract

In this paper we inspect remote health care, and especially alert call concept and usability design for Chinese Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. Generally, remote health care can facilitate cost efficient and improved treatment and follow-up of various illnesses. For service providers it can offer expanded service palette, enable easier access of medical information and support new business models. However, when the service works in a multi-cultural environment, related cultural factors need also be considered in service design that we investigate in this paper where we suggest a systematic methodology. Also, respective usability evaluation is addressed. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.