Human Factors–Based Mobile Application Design for Global Health

Background. The rapid adoption of smartphones and software applications (apps) has become prevalent worldwide, making these technologies nearly universally available. Low-cost mobile health (M-health) platforms are being rapidly adopted in both developed and emerging markets and have transformed the health care delivery landscape. Human factors optimization is critical to the safe and sustainable adoption of M-health solutions. The overall goal of engaging human factors requirements in the software app design process is to decrease patient safety risks while increasing usability and productivity for the end user. Methods. An extensive review of the literature was conducted using PubMed and Google search engines to identify best approaches to M-health software design based on human factors and user-centered design to optimize the usability, safety, and efficacy of M-health apps. Extracted data were used to create a health care app development algorithm. Results. A best practice algorithm for the design of mobile apps for global health care, based on the extracted data, was developed. The approach is based on an iterative 4-stage process that incorporates human factors and user-centered design processes. This process helps optimize the development of safe and effective mobile apps for use in global health care delivery and disease prevention. Conclusion. Mobile technologies designed for developing regions offer a potential solution to provide effective, low-cost health care. Applying human factors design principles to global health care app development helps ensure the delivery of safe and effective technologies tailored to the end-users requirements.