Adapting a Complex Medical Form for a Mobile App
For patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), tracking symptoms and monitoring health data is a critical part of managing their condition. However, traditional medical forms can be complex, time-consuming, and difficult to use. To address these challenges, we undertook the redesign of the SF-36 medical form, adapting it for use on a mobile app.
Design
The goal was to create a user-friendly and efficient tool that would help patients track their symptoms and communicate more effectively with their doctors. With a clear understanding of user needs and the original form, we set out to design a mobile-friendly version that would be easy to use and navigate. We created low- and high-fidelity wireframes to test different design concepts. This helped us refine the final design, which included a simplified layout, clear and concise language, and a step-by-step process that guided users through the form.
Challenges
The challenge we faced with the medical form adaptation was to ensure that we did not compromise the scientific integrity of the form. We needed to ensure that the form accurately captured the necessary information to support the user's health care needs. Any changes made to the form, whether in its design or language, could potentially alter the user's response and subsequently, their diagnosis or treatment plan. As a result, we were cautious in our design decisions to ensure that we did not influence or manipulate the user's judgment or response.
Our focus was on creating a user-friendly and accessible interface that would encourage users to complete the form in a way that was as true to their experience and understanding as possible.
Development
Working closely with our development team, we integrated the new SF-36 form into Cleo. This required a high level of technical expertise, as we needed to ensure that the data was collected and stored securely, and that it complied with all relevant medical regulations. We also had to find a way to display the collected data in a way that was meaningful to users but did not cross the line into medical advice or diagnosis.
Results
The new SF-36 form has been a major success, with users reporting increased ease of use and improved communication with their doctors. It was first released in the US and then deployed in other countries. Our careful attention to compliance and data security has ensured that the app remains within the scope of its intended use, while still providing valuable information to both patients and doctors.
Conclusion
Overall, the redesign of the SF-36 form has been a significant achievement, both in terms of user experience and compliance with medical regulations. By leveraging the power of mobile technology, we were able to transform a complex and time-consuming medical form into a user-friendly tool that helps patients manage their symptoms and communicate more effectively with their doctors.