Health apps and patient engagement: A review of effectiveness and user experience
Toritsemogba Tosanbami Omaghomi, Oluwafunmi Adijat Elufioye, Opeoluwa Akomolafe, Evangel Chinyere Anyanwu, Andrew Ifesinachi Daraojimba
Abstract
This paper reviews the effectiveness of health apps and their impact on patient engagement, focusing on the role of user experience (UX) in enhancing engagement and healthcare outcomes. A comprehensive literature analysis categorizes types of health apps and evaluates their effectiveness in improving patient engagement and health outcomes. Key UX principles essential for health app design are outlined, and the influence of UX on patient engagement is analyzed. The review identifies technological and ethical challenges in health app development, including privacy concerns and the need for inclusive design. Future research directions are suggested, highlighting areas for further exploration in health app effectiveness and user engagement. The findings emphasize the importance of effective health apps and superior UX design in fostering patient engagement, with implications for healthcare providers, patients, and app developers in leveraging digital health technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and patient well-being.