Synopsis of discussion session on defining a new quality protocol for medical apps

Abstract

[EN]The objective of this paper is to discuss about the factors and drivers needed to define a new quality protocol applied for apps. In fact, it is mainly focused on medical apps that are used for learning. This paper also explains the process and the methodology adopted in order to come out with those factors. The methodology used to reach these factors is a practical session with participants of different profiles (students and medical professionals) that should use one specific app and answer a questionnaire of 45 items evaluating different dimensions of the app. Besides, this investigation discusses about the main factors and drivers that could influence on evaluating those dimensions. According to the data, the profile of the participants could influence on the score, but the mobile devices that they owned, does not affect the final evaluation. Finally and according to the different points given by the participants, it is necessary to calculate the average score of the app and its percentage. In our process, if the app does not reach at least 70% of points, then, the app is rejected and the certificate is not awarded. The criterion selected for this protocol is completely strict in order to pass only the most excellent apps. As a result, the draft of the protocol is designed and could be used for any app. It is important to notice that the protocol is created taking into account the users’ point of view. For future researches is needed to obtain more samples and to minimize the limitations found during the research.