Design, development, utility and usability testing of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App^© among primary care physicians and patients with metabolic syndrome

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Pathology, Laboratory and Forensic Medicine (I-PPerForM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
² Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
³ KaitNow Tech, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.
⁴ Cardio Vascular and Lungs Research Institute (CaVaLRI), Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah (HASA), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
⁵ Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
⁶ Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
⁷ Computing Centre of Studies, College of Computing, Informatics and Media, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

PMID: 37312957
PMCID: PMC10259157
DOI: 10.1177/20552076231176645

Design, development, utility and usability testing of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App^© among primary care physicians and patients with metabolic syndrome

Maryam Hannah Daud et al. Digit Health. 2023.

. 2023 May 31:9:20552076231176645.

doi: 10.1177/20552076231176645. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Pathology, Laboratory and Forensic Medicine (I-PPerForM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
² Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
³ KaitNow Tech, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.
⁴ Cardio Vascular and Lungs Research Institute (CaVaLRI), Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah (HASA), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
⁵ Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
⁶ Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
⁷ Computing Centre of Studies, College of Computing, Informatics and Media, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

PMID: 37312957
PMCID: PMC10259157
DOI: 10.1177/20552076231176645

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to design, develop, assess and refine the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App^© among primary care physicians (PCP) and patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in primary care.

Methodology: Using the software-development-life-cycle (SDLC) iterative model, storyboard and wireframe were drafted; and a mock prototype was designed to illustrate the content and function graphically. Subsequently, a working prototype was developed. Qualitative studies using the 'think-aloud' and cognitive-task-analysis methods were conducted for the utility and usability testing. Topic guide was based on the 10-Nielsen's-Heuristic-Principles. Utility testing was conducted among PCP in which they 'thought-aloud' while performing tasks using the mobile app. Usability testing was conducted among MetS patients after they were given the app for 3 weeks. They 'thought-aloud' while performing tasks using the app. Interviews were audio- and video-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was performed.

Result: Seven PCP and nine patients participated in the utility and usability testing, respectively. Six themes (efficiency of use, user control and freedom, appearance and aesthetic features, clinical content, error prevention, and help and documentation) emerged. PCP found the mobile app attractive and relevant sections were easy to find. They suggested adding 'zoom/swipe' functions and some parts needed bigger fonts. Patients commented that the app was user-friendly, has nice interface, and straightforward language. It helped them understand their health better. Based on these findings, the mobile app was refined.

Conclusion: This app was produced using a robust SDLC method to increase users' satisfaction and sustainability of its use. It could potentially improve self-management behaviour among MetS patients in primary care.

Keywords: cognitive task analysis; mobile health app development; primary care; utility and usability testing; ‘think-aloud’ method.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Figures

**Figure 1.**
Methodology of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN study.

**Figure 2.**
Storyboard for the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App^©.

**Figure 3.**
Sections and subsections of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App^©.

**Figure 4.**
Flowchart of conduct of the utility testing.

**Figure 5.**
Flowchart of conduct of the usability testing.

**Figure 6.**
(a) Refined version of the *Login and Homepage*. (b) Refined version of *My Profile*. (c) Refined version of *My Cardiovascular Risks*. (d) Refined version of *My Treatment Targets*. (e) Refined version of *My Check-Up*. (f) Refined version of *My Weight Management*. (g) Refined version of *My Smoking Habit*. (h) Refined Version of *My Self-Management*. (i) Refined Version of *My Medication*.

See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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1. Rochlani Y, Pothineni NV, Kovelamudi S, et al.Metabolic syndrome: pathophysiology, management, and modulation by natural compounds. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis 2017; 11: 215–225. - PMC - PubMed
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Design, development, utility and usability testing of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App^© among primary care physicians and patients with metabolic syndrome

Affiliations

Design, development, utility and usability testing of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App^© among primary care physicians and patients with metabolic syndrome

Authors

Affiliations

Abstract

Conflict of interest statement

Figures

References

LinkOut - more resources

Full Text Sources