Design and Implementation of a Web-Based Self-Care Application for Patients with Kidney Stone Treated with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of kidney stones reduces the patients’ quality of life and imposes high costs on patients and health care system. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a safe procedure to treat urinary stones. Appropriate strategies such as self-care programs can effectively reduce the prevalence and recurrence of this disease, and increase quality of life, save costs, and prevent diseases by increasing patient participation. The aim of this study is to design and implement a web-based self-care application for patients with kidney stones undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Methods: This paper is an applied study and was performed in Sabalan Hospital in Ardabil affiliated to the Social Security Organization of Iran in three stages including needs assessment, design and evaluation. For needs assessment and application design, a questionnaire was designed by searching library resources. The questionnaire was completed by clinical specialists and specialists in health information management and information technology. Then, based on the approved information elements and capabilities, a web-based self-care application was designed. The usability of the designed program was evaluated with the participation of 20 users. Results: The results of the survey showed that the experts confirmed all the identified items and components, and considered them necessary. Users rated the usability of the self-care program at a good level with an average score of 7.9 out of 9. Conclusion: The usability of the self-care application was satisfactory to users in various areas of overall application performance, screen, terminology and information, learning and general impressions.