Analysis of public preference for the development of mobile health applications (mHealth apps)

Abstract

Having mobile apps on our phones is common, we use apps for uncountable activities, as such as gaming, business, and health. The aim of this research is to identify the public acceptability of mHealth apps to supply the primary health care traditionally carried out by the GP in Ireland. Research mixed methods were used. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through an electronic survey (n=84) and semi-structured interviews with SMEs of the medicine, pharmaceutical and IT areas (n=3). It was found the proportion of Irish people, that would like to change the mHealth apps instead of the GP for the primary health care is "one of every three". Nevertheless, in the analysis of the qualitative data, it is shown that they are open-minded to using the mHealth apps in the future or now as a complement of the primary health care given by the GP. The statistical analysis results show that gender and age are no factors that determine the will of changing the habits in primary health care. The main concern on the use of mHealth apps is founded in the lack of technological development that contemporary mHealth apps posse. Four main factors were identified that could positively impact the will of the Irish resident to use trusty the mHealth apps once they are covered.