Health app are there on the internet with an estimate of 15,000 apps on the market, and research shows that they are expected to grow by 25% annually. There are common issues with the development of these apps and other categories of apps. However, some technical and non-technical issues are industry-specific. As a non-app designer, it provides a perspective that covers interesting topics raised by various stakeholders regarding the development of medical apps. 

1. The motivation for developing an app is irrelevant

Regardless of the elegance, ease of use, comfortable experience, or other appeal of the health app, it is not considered useful and therefore not obeyed if it does not address a particular issue. Monitoring physiological parameters and a person’s mood, and collecting data so that the app can do it, is the secret to failure. Those looking for health app (and general health information) are probably doing it because of health problems. Data, whether patient or clinician, needs to be collected and filtered in a way that conveys a message to the end user. 

2. Lack of physician involvement

I’m not saying here that the clinician needs to be the CEO of a mHealth company. What I imply is a lack of input from clinicians in the development of many technologies. 

Technology does not work in a vacuum. There are processes that the technology fits into which might very well need to be totally redesigned around the technology (this is a good thing, for many processes need changed). 

These processes may range from someone’s personal schedule to instituting hospital case managers who advise patients on mobile apps. The app cannot be dropped on the lap of a CIO or clinician and be expected to be successful. Connectivity of mHealth tools will be an important aspect of stage 3 of Meaningful Use adoption. This connectivity will necessitate workflow of data and messaging between patient and clinician. 

 It is imperative, therefore, to have clinician input into the design of the technology. 

3. Little attention is paid to ease of use

To achieve the final design of your app, you need to thoroughly consider the user experience regarding your app needs. According to the Usability Assessment Guide of the HIMSS Medical App, usability can be defined as “effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction that allows a particular user to perform a particular set of tasks in a particular environment.” At the last mHealth Summit, I chaired a session on “What Makes an” Health App “Exceptional?” At the bottom of this link. There is a great presentation explaining the design and user experience of the app.

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