JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mobile health (mHealth) apps are essential software interfaces that enable users to access and manage wearable health technology through smartphones and tablets. However, many respiratory disease mHealth apps lack transparent development documentation, compromising user confidence in their quality, functionality, and usability.

Objective:

This study aimed to develop and evaluate AIrway, a companion mHealth app designed to interface with an in-house wearable device for monitoring airway symptoms following established mHealth development and reporting standards.

Methods:

The development cycle of AIrway comprised three study phases. In Phase 1, a comprehensive needs assessment was conducted to identify the required features of a mHealth app targeted at asthma and COPD monitoring. In Phase 2, AIrway, a native Android app, was developed following academic and industrial standards (Android Material design, Morville’s design principles) and privacy regulations (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). Core functionalities included location-based environmental monitoring, a clinical diary with action plans, Bluetooth connectivity, and real-time data storage. In Phase 3, the usability of AIrway was evaluated by software app developers using standardized assessment tools, namely, the uMARS survey and IQVIA questionnaire.

Results:

AIrway successfully fulfilled seven of eight development criteria on usability, privacy, security, appropriateness, transparency, safety, and technical support, with only the technology aspects requiring refinement. Accessibility assessments confirmed that AIrway’s content and interface were comprehensible to the general population (Grade 9-10 reading level). Technical testing demonstrated reliable Bluetooth data transmission for up to 10 minutes without interruption. User evaluation scores for uMARS (3.6/5.0) and IQVIA (8/11) were comparable to those of similar mHealth applications on the market.

Conclusions:

By adhering to established mHealth application design principles, AIrway achieved the necessary accessibility standards and wireless communication capabilities for wearable device integration. Future development will focus on expanding cross-platform compatibility and conducting usability evaluation with actual patient populations to validate AIrway’s clinical effectiveness and support ongoing improvements.