Mobile application design for health intermediaries considerations for information access & use

Abstract

Health intermediaries in emerging contexts exhibit a diversity of information needs in conducting their professional duties. There is limited understanding, however, as to the complex needs of these groups. Furthermore, there is still a paucity of research on supporting the information needs of intermediaries via technological means. This paper employs a qualitative meta-analysis in unpacking the dynamism of intermediary practice in South Africa. The authors consider mobile application design in accessing and using health information. A number of critical design considerations are presented, including the role of context as a static and dynamic modality. The authors ultimately derive an information model, which assimilates four intersecting dimensions of context.