Usability of a mobile application for health professionals in home care services: a user-centered approach

Abstract

The use of mobile devices by healthcare professionals has led to rapid growth in the development of mobile healthcare applications designed to improve healthcare services. This study was conducted to assess the acceptability and usability of a mobile application for health professionals in relation to their work in hospitalization at home. A mixed methods approach was used. Acceptance, included the satisfaction of the professionals, attitudes toward using the application, and intention or willingness to continue using the application. Usability tests were performed in laboratory analyzing five controlled clinical tasks, and the interaction of the participants with the mobile application was based on the six basic facial expressions published by the American Psychological Association. Perceived satisfaction was assessed using the computer system usability questionnaire. Thirty-two participants completed the task scenarios and questionnaire. More than 90 per cent of participants were able to complete the tasks with only some difficult with vital signs. Satisfaction had a score of 6.18/7 (SD: 0.76), and recommendation of the mobile application had a score of 6.21/7 (SD: 0.81). This study showed a significant usability and acceptability of this mobile application, in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction.