How to design a healthcare-focused smartphone app

What is it about?

The purpose of this research- and experience-informed synthesis is to briefly outline the general process and considerations a healthcare provider should evaluate when developing an evidence-informed healthcare app.

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Why is it important?

The availability of healthcare-focused smartphone applications, or “apps,” has grown exponentially over the last decade. Despite widespread usage, many have been concluded to lack both a research-informed design, and empirical testing, leading some healthcare providers to consider developing their own. Self-designing can not only lead to the addressing of potential concerns with commercially-available apps, but could also allow for the creation and tailoring of such programs to the unique needs of the provider or their treated population. While development can be an exciting and mentally stimulating endeavor, there are many concerns and considerations that healthcare providers should evaluate when designing, creating, and assessing a smartphone app. Unfortunately, few resources currently exist to guide providers through such a process.