A methodological framework for evaluating mobile health devices

Mobile devices such as PDAs are increasingly used as a part of healthcare interventions. Although they can provide powerful communication and self-management tools for patients with chronic illness, relatively little is known about their usability. A methodological framework for evaluating mobile health devices is proposed. It adapts the well-known methodologies of cognitive task analysis and usability testing. The framework is illustrated in the context of an analysis of an advanced function glucose meter. The analyses documented a range of problems which highlights the need to carefully scrutinize the usability of mobile health devices.