Evaluation of the Usability of a Mobile Application on Neglected Skin Diseases in Cote d'Ivoire: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This study investigated the usability of a mobile phone-based system, 'eSkinHealth', for healthcare providers in Côte d'Ivoire. The eSkinHealth can be used both online and offline to address the poor Internet connectivity of these rural settings. Data recorded in the mobile application were synchronized with an online database, and specialists in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire and in Japan advised local healthcare providers on difficult cases. In this pilot study, 21 healthcare providers used the eSkinHealth and completed questionnaires assessing the usability. The average score of a system usability scale for eSkinHealth was 84.2 (SD 11.7), which can be interpreted as excellent. The average registration for patient information (e.g., name, sex, age, area of residence) was 8.6 (SD 15.5). Further studies with more targeted areas and participants are needed to evaluate the usability of eSkinHealth in rural Côte d'Ivoire.