The development of a conceptual framework, user template and appraisal tool for the development and screening of clinically focused smartphone apps

Title: The development of a conceptual framework, user template and appraisal tool for development and screening of clinically focused smartphone apps
Authors: Scott Colton (Supervisors: Dr Stephen Wanless, Professor Joy Notter, Dr Chris Carter)
Presenting Author: Scott Colton
Background
Smartphone use among healthcare professionals has increased significantly, alongside the growing availability of healthcare applications have the potential to support healthcare professionals (Kraushaar and Bohnet-Joschko (2023); however, user experience, app design quality, and suitability for clinical adoption remain important considerations(Ahmed et al, 2025). This study investigates these apps and explores users' experiences. It identifies components required for the development of clinically focused apps, presenting them within a conceptual framework. The study also presents an appraisal tool for existing applications so that informed decisions about the adoption of clinically focused apps can be made.
Aim
To develop a conceptual framework and accompanying user template to guide the development of clinically focused smartphone applications
Design
This study adopted a convergent mixed-methods design underpinned by a pragmatic research paradigm.
Methods
Quantitative app-level data were gathered from app stores and analysed using descriptive and correlational statistical analysis. Qualitative data were drawn from user review comments and app descriptions and analysed using a framework analysis approach.
Discussion
The conceptual framework integrates the identified themes into key clusters that reflect the influences affecting the development and adoption of clinically focused applications. This provides a specific framework for the development of clinically