Epidemiological investigation support application and user evaluation based on infectious disease self-management...

Objectives: Rapid epidemiological investigations are fundamental to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019. An epidemiological investigation presents significant challenges for both epidemiologists and infected individuals. It requires creating an environment that enables people to independently manage infectious diseases and voluntarily participate in epidemiological investigations. Methods: We developed the KODARI application, an epidemiological investigation support system that users can voluntarily use. We developed the questionnaires based on literature reviews. We evaluated the application through an online survey from December 2 to 14, 2022. Results: The application automatically or manually collect epidemiological investigation information. The application improved data accuracy through accurate information collection. It voluntarily can transmit self-management information to epidemiologist terminals or users in real time. We collected 248 users from an online survey. Most users had high ratings and willingness to use. They have willingness to manage infectious patients was substantial. The application was evaluated as helpful for epidemiological investigations and could shorten the time required for epidemiological investigations by more than 30 min. Conclusion: The application proposes a model based on people's voluntary participation. We demonstrated that the application could enhance epidemiological investigations and diminish the duration of existing epidemiological investigation processes.