Healthc Inform Res.  2015 Jan;21(1):10-20. 10.4258/hir.2015.21.1.10.

Development of a Smartphone Application for Clinical-Guideline-Based Obesity Management

• Jeon E
• Park HA

• KMID: 2284593
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2015.21.1.10

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the study was to develop and evaluate a clinical-guideline-based smartphone application ('app') for obesity management.
METHODS
Obesity-related knowledge and functional requirements were extracted from clinical practice guidelines, a literature review, and consultations with experts. The extracted knowledge was used to design obesity-management algorithms, and the functions of the developed app are presented through a use case diagram and activity diagrams. The database and user interface were designed and then an app was developed. The proficiency and efficiency of the algorithm were evaluated using scenarios, while the user interface was assessed using a mobile heuristics evaluation tool, with its usability determined using the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire.
RESULTS
In total, 131 obesity-related knowledge statements and 11 functions for the app were extracted, and 5 algorithms (comprising 1 main algorithm and 4 subalgorithms) were developed. The database comprised 11 tables and 41 screens. The app was developed using the Android SDK platform 4.0.3, JDK 1.7.0, and Eclipse. The overall proficiency and efficiency scores of the algorithm were 88.0 and 69.1, respectively. In heuristics tests, 57 comments were made, and the mean usability score was 3.47 out of 5. Thirteen usability problems were identified by the heuristics and usability evaluations.
CONCLUSIONS
The app developed in this study might be helpful for weight management because it can provide high-quality health information and intervention without spatial or temporal constraints. However, the clinical effectiveness of this app still requires further investigation.

Keyword

Obesity; Weight Loss; Practice Guideline; Telemedicine; Mobile Health Units

MeSH Terms

Mobile Health Units
Obesity*
Referral and Consultation
Telemedicine
Weight Loss
Surveys and Questionnaires

Figure

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  Figure 1 Study outline and research procedure.

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  Figure 2 Main algorithm for the obesity management application.

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  Figure 3 Use case diagram for the obesity management application

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  Figure 4 Activity diagram of assessment.

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  Figure 5 Database of the obesity management application.

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  Figure 6 Screenshots of the obesity management application.

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