Mobile and tablet apps, ubiquitous and pervasive computing, wearable computing and domotics for health.
This study identified the features and characteristics that are most-valued by patients/consumers. they conducted a study on 234 apps related to health found in medical, health, and fitness categories on Apple iTunes and Google Play. They found that only 5 features and characteristics of the apps were significant. The 5 features that were relevant are: plans or orders, the export of data, usability, and cost contributed positively to a user’s rating and the tracker feature which declined significantly.
Apps such as NFL PLAY 60 app gained more patient engagement by offering points, badges or movements through levels as health objectives is achieved this allows autonomy, natural motivation and engagement to consumers. The Couch-to-5K app presents a plan of action for reaching the target goal, such as specific executable steps to guide the process which gave autonomy and competence to consumers. the Glucose Buddy Diabetes Log app assists the user to participate in a specific behavior through the use of a predetermined alert which gave patient more competence. the Glow Fertility & Ovulation app features self-monitoring by recording information in order to adjust personal attitudes or behaviors to achieve a predetermined goal or outcome. The self-monitoring and self-regulation gave patient autonomy.
These 4 apps were most beneficial and most valued by consumers based on the 5 features and characteristics. these 4 apps were taken from 234 apps that met the criteria for this study. They also found that people preferred apps that saves time, provides specific instructions and shares data. they included the 234 apps in the appendix section. in conclusion to this study, apps are not one-size-fits-all. Different users will value different features, layouts and approaches. There will be future studies that would focus more on one category.
