Developing and Testing the Populi Needle Exchange Point Finder: An App to Reduce Harm Associated With Intravenous Drug Consumption Among Homeless and Non-homeless Drug Users

摘要

The spread of viral infections remains a serious public health problem. People Who Inject Drugs represent one of the highest-risk groups. Even for low-income populations, eHealth and mHealth have been shown to be effective at improving individuals’ management of their own health and their access to health care, and to contribute to reducing the costs associated with certain medical interventions. The objective of this study is to analyse the development and test of usability testing process for and application for mobile devices, designed to complement the Needle Exchange Program. The participants were 61 members of multidisciplinary professional group and 16 people who inject drugs. Using a transversal and observational design, no differences were found between the variables analysed and the participants’ opinions about the app. Participants proposed improvements on the prototype, suggestions that will be applied in the creation of the definitive interface. Professionals and potential users share similar opinions about the app and its uses. The participation of professionals and patients in this sort of usability test of mobile applications facilitates the detection of particular needs.