Open AccessDeveloping mobile health applications for neglected tropical disease research
Author(s) -
A Navarro,
Luisa Rubiano,
Juan David Arango,
Carlos Rojas,
Neal Alexander,
Nancy Gore Saravia,
Eliah Aronoff-Spencer
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
plos neglected tropical diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.99
H-Index - 135
eISSN - 1935-2735
pISSN - 1935-2727
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006791
Subject(s) - sociotechnical system , mhealth , neglected tropical diseases , usability , context (archaeology) , tropical disease , interdependence , computer science , developing country , data science , knowledge management , business , medicine , psychological intervention , public health , disease , sociology , geography , human–computer interaction , economic growth , social science , nursing , archaeology , pathology , psychiatry , economics
Mobile applications (apps) can bring health research and its potential downstream benefits closer to underserved populations. Drawing on experience developing an app for detecting and referring cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia, called Guaral/app, we review key steps in creating such mobile health (mHealth) tools. These require consideration of the sociotechnical context using methods such as systems analysis and human-centered design (HCD), predicated on engagement and iteration with all stakeholders. We emphasize usability and technical concerns and describe the interdependency of technical and human considerations for mHealth systems in rural communities.