Perception of medical specialists on the usability of a dengue mobile application in rural areas: a qualitative study

Authors

  • Kelly De la Cruz-Torralva Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5329-0644
  • Stefan Escobar-Agreda Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru
  • Luis Pampa-Espinoza Instituto Nacional de Salud. Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2392-587X
  • Javier Silva-Valencia Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5982-2821
  • Mahony Reategui-Rivera Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru
  • Max Chahuara-Rojas Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru
  • Leonardo Rojas-Mezarina Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0293-7107
  • Cesar Cabezas-Sánchez Instituto Nacional de Salud. Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5120-0713

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15381/anales.v85i1.26175

Keywords:

Dengue, Telemedicine, Primary Health Care, Physicians, Qualitative Research

Abstract

Introduction. Mobile applications represent a promising alternative for providing support in the management of Dengue patients. However, the usability of these tools in Peru is unknown. Objectives. To evaluate the usability and usage recommendations of the Dengue ONQOY application in managing Dengue patients in rural areas of Peru. Methods. A qualitative study was conducted, which included semi-structured interviews with 8 experts in Dengue management. Data were coded using Atlas. Ti software. Three categories were assessed: (1) informative usability (2) design usability, and (3) recommendations for improvement. Results. Three key aspects were highlighted. (1) The application is perceived as valuable for first- level doctors in peripheral areas with limited Dengue experience due to its personalized approachand academic value. (2) Its ease of use and practicality were emphasized, although connectivity limitations in some areas were noted. (3) Recommendations for improvement included the inclusion of differential diagnoses, additional risk factors, updated references, hydration guidelines, and medication dosages. Conclusions. Dengue ONQOY is considered highly usable by doctors treating Dengue cases at the primary care level in Peru. Despite connectivity limitations and potential design improvements, its development and implementation offer a promising alternative for managing Dengue patients in the country in this field.

Author Biographies

  • Kelly De la Cruz-Torralva, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Psicóloga.

  • Stefan Escobar-Agreda, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Médico cirujano.

  • Luis Pampa-Espinoza, Instituto Nacional de Salud. Lima, Peru

    Médico especialista en enfermedades infecciosas y tropicales.

  • Javier Silva-Valencia, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Médico cirujano.

  • Mahony Reategui-Rivera, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Médico cirujano.

  • Max Chahuara-Rojas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Médico cirujano.

  • Leonardo Rojas-Mezarina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Médico especialista en administración de salud.

  • Cesar Cabezas-Sánchez, Instituto Nacional de Salud. Lima, Peru

    Médico especialista en enfermedades infecciosas y tropicales.

Downloads

Published

2024-02-20

Issue

Section

Artículo Original

How to Cite

1.
De la Cruz-Torralva K, Escobar-Agreda S, Pampa-Espinoza L, Silva-Valencia J, Reategui-Rivera M, Chahuara-Rojas M, et al. Perception of medical specialists on the usability of a dengue mobile application in rural areas: a qualitative study. An Fac med [Internet]. 2024 Feb. 20 [cited 2024 May 14];85(1):14-20. Available from: https://revistasinvestigacion.unmsm.edu.pe/index.php/anales/article/view/26175