TY  - JOUR
AU  - Stephan, Laura Siga
AU  - Dytz Almeida, Eduardo
AU  - Guimaraes, Raphael Boesche
AU  - Ley, Antonio Gaudie
AU  - Mathias, Rodrigo Gonçalves
AU  - Assis, Maria Valéria
AU  - Leiria, Tiago Luiz Luz
PY  - 2017
DA  - 2017/04/03
TI  - Processes and Recommendations for Creating mHealth Apps for Low-Income Populations
JO  - JMIR Mhealth Uhealth
SP  - e41
VL  - 5
IS  - 4
KW  - mHealth
KW  - atrial fibrillation
KW  - low-income population
AB  - Background: Mobile health (mHealth) apps have shown to improve health indicators, but concerns remain about the inclusion of populations from low- and medium-income countries (LMIC) in these new technologies. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a chronic condition with a challenging management. Previous studies have shown socioeconomic differences in the prescription of anticoagulant treatment and shared decision strategies are encouraged to achieve better outcomes. mHealth can aid both doctors and patients in this matter. Objective: We describe the development of an mHealth app (aFib) idealized to aid shared decision between doctor and patient about anticoagulation prophylaxis in AF in a low-income and low-literacy population in Brazil. On the basis of our research, we suggest the processes to be followed when developing mHealth apps in this context. Methods: A multidisciplinary team collected information about the target population and its needs and detected the best opportunity to insert the app in their current health care. Literature about the subject was reviewed and important data were selected to be delivered through good navigability, easy terminology, and friendly design. The app was evaluated in a multimethod setting. Results: The steps suggested to develop an mHealth app target to LMIC are: (1) characterize the problem and the target user, (2) review the literature, (3) translate information to knowledge, (4) protect information, and (5) evaluate usability and efficacy. Conclusions: We expect that these recommendations can guide the development of new mHealth apps in LMIC, on a scientific basis. 
SN  - 2291-5222
UR  - http://mhealth.jmir.org/2017/4/e41/
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.6510
UR  - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28373155
DO  - 10.2196/mhealth.6510
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/mhealth.6510
ER  -