Healthcare providers' perspectives on a mobile app for patients with type 2 diabetes: A focus group study to enhance user-centered digital health design.

INTRODUCTION

Technologies to help patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have increased and have shown promising results in supporting self-management. However, not all applications consider healthcare providers' knowledge in designing and developing these tools, which may impact adoption and effectiveness. This study examined healthcare providers' perspectives on how mobile phone technologies can support patients with T2DM in self-managing their condition and inform user-centered design.

METHODS

We conducted two online focus group sessions with nine healthcare providers involved in T2DM care. A semistructured guide was used to explore the participants' perspectives on adopting mobile apps. Transcribed narratives were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. The report followed COREQ guidelines for qualitative studies.

RESULTS

Five main themes emerged: (1) diabetes-challenges and self-care; (2) the use of technologies in managing T2DM; (3) the market for diabetes management tools; (4) suggestions for ideal app features; and (5) the role of healthcare providers. Healthcare providers acknowledged the benefits of mobile apps in enhancing patient engagement to manage type 2 diabetes. Participants also pointed out the barriers to full implementation, such as usability challenges, patient digital literacy, and integration with clinical workflows. They also considered that patients with T2DM should provide feedback on digital health designs.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare providers' involvement in developing an app ensures alignment with clinical practices and patients' needs. The study's findings support the user-centered design of digital tools tailored to managing T2DM and may inform future digital health design and evaluation for T2DM or other chronic conditions.