Development of Application on Android Smartphone for Assessment of the Need for Antibiotics in Adults with Acute Diarrhea

Abstract

Objective: to design and develop the application on android smartphone for assessment of the need for antibiotics in adults with acute diarrhea and to assess satisfaction of users. Method: The study developed the application “diarrhea literacy” consisting of four main functions: 1) assessment of acute diarrhea 2) knowledge and advice on self-care 3) satisfaction evaluation and suggestions from users and 4) information on developers. Subsequently, the researchers publicized the app, encouraged potential users to download and use it for assessing the need for antibiotics in adults with acute diarrhea in community pharmacies. The study followed up the use of app and measured its satisfaction by using questionnaires. Results: Participants included 129 subjects from publics and 12 community pharmacists working in Ubon Ratchathani. Average scores of satisfaction to the app among subjects from publics and pharmacists were 4.46±0.66 and 4.56±0.61, out of the full score of 5, respectively. Conclusion: The application “diarrhea literacy” is a tool assisting the assessment of acute diarrhea symptoms in adults and educating patients on the disease and need for antibiotics.