Developing a Mobile App for Health Care Providers

Background: There are 20 million new STD cases a year, costing the U.S. ~ $16 billion dollars. Health-care providers play a critical role in preventing and treating STDs. More than 62% of health care providers are now using mobile technology for professional purposes.

Program background: To address the growing trend in mobile technology use by physicians and to improve physician access to the CDC STD treatment Guidelines, the definitive source for the treatment of STI infections in the U.S., CDC developed a practical, streamlined, user-friendly mobile application for Apple or Droid – the STD Treatment app.

Evaluation Methods and Results: The STD Treatment app was evaluated to assess user uptake, usage and feedback. Additionally, an evaluation of the promotion plan was evaluated to assess reach and engagement. Social media metrics (Facebook, Twitter), web based promotions (banners, buttons) and Omniture code were used to identify which channels and messages led to more user uptake. Data from app stores (iTunes & GooglePlay) and Omniture code embedded in the app were used to determine the usability, access and quality of the app.

Conclusions: Evaluation of mobile apps is still an immerging science and best practices have not yet been established for public health. Developing and implementing an informative and relevant evaluation of mobile applications will be presented.

Implications for research and/or practice: Lessons learned will help inform the development and evaluation of future public health mobile applications as well as promotion plans.