Developing mobile health applications for neglected tropical disease research.

• Published in: PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
• Main Authors: Andrés Navarro, Luisa Rubiano, Juan David Arango, Carlos A Rojas, Neal Alexander, Nancy Gore Saravia, Eliah Aronoff-Spencer
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2018
• Subjects: Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006791; https://doaj.org/article/fe3cc42c9a1040c3ab2be84dab39559b

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.