JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

E-learning technology, including mobile applications (apps), is used to a large extent in healthcare education. Mobile apps can provide extendable learning environments and motivate students to adaptive and collaborative learning outside the classroom context. Developers must design practical, effective and easy to use mobile applications. Usability testing is an important part of app development in order to understand if the app meets the needs of the user.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to perform a scoping review of usability methods and attributes reported in usability studies of mobile apps for healthcare education.

Methods:

The scoping review is guided by the methodological framework developed by Arksey & O’Malley, and further development by Levac et al. and Kahlil et al. The stages we will follow are: 1) identifying the research question; 2) identifying relevant studies; 3) selecting studies; 4) charting the data, and 5) summarizing and reporting the results.

Results:

A descriptive summary of included studies will be provided. Tables and graphical illustrations will be used to bring together and present the findings. A thematic analysis of the different usability methods and attributes employed will be presented as a descriptive narrative account of the findings.

Conclusions:

We expect the overview of usability methods and attributes reported in usability studies of mobile apps for healthcare education to contribute to the knowledge base for researchers and developers. It will give an overview of the research field and provide researchers and developers with relevant and important information of the usability research area, including highlighting possible research gaps.