JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

With an increasing number of online medical and healthcare consulting services, virtual hospital apps have made health care more accessible and fairer for all, especially in China. However, they have occurred without control or regulation. User evaluation can give directions to translating technological features into such apps optimization of identification, low risks and guaranteed service quality.

Objective:

We aimed to make a systematic analysis for virtual hospital apps in China. To get a global view, we assessed and characterized virtual hospital apps by means of quantitative analysis. To get a local view, we conducted a content feedback analysis to explore user requirements, expectations and preferences.

Methods:

We conducted a search in the most popular Apple and Android app stores in China. We characterized and verified virtual hospital apps. We grouped apps according to quantification analysis. We crawled and paid attention to corresponding reviews to incorporate users’ involvement and made aspect-based content labeling and analysis using an inductive approach.

Results:

A total of 239 apps were identified for virtual hospital app markets in China. 2686 informative corresponding reviews were analyzed. The evidence showed that usefulness and ease of use were vital facts for engagement. Users are likely to trust consulting service with a high number of downloads. Furthermore, users expect more frequently-used apps optimization. We characterized apps according to 4 key features. (1) App Functionalities, including online doctor consultation, in-app purchase, tailored education and community forums. (2) Security and Privacy, including user data management and user privacy. (3) Health Management, including health tracking, reminders and notifications. (4) Technical Aspects, including user interface and equipment connection.

Conclusions:

Virtual hospitals relying on the mobile Internet are growing rapidly. A large number of virtual hospital apps are available and accessible to more people. Evidence from systematic analysis can help various types of virtual hospital models to enhance virtual health care experiences, to go beyond offline hospitals and to continuously meet the needs of individual end-users.