The public health problem addressed by White et al. (2016) is the use of technological advancement as a way of improving the public health by giving the users all the necessary information about specific health requirements. Various apps and devices have been improvised so far with the aim of enhancing the level of health. Unlike the traditional methods, the study consents that use of mobile health apps is more effective as confirmed from the World Bank (White et al., 2016). The distinct health problem addressed is the issue of breastfeeding that is vital for the successful growth of infants. As such, the parents need necessary knowledge to help them understand when to feed the baby and information about any health complications of the baby. The Milk Man App is a mobile application developed for men where they can receive all the necessary information about the upbringing of the infants and can have a platform to share with other parents on the different challenges experienced when taking care of the babies. In essence, the app is aimed to benefit the parents by giving them schedules to follow, proper diet and all the necessary activities aimed at the healthy growth of the infants. The health care providers serve as the relevant stakeholders since they are involved in answering the parents’ queries and giving information that matches the different queries.
Milk Man App target men have a responsibility of taking care of the infants. This target population faces a challenge of lacking the necessary information regarding the upbringing of the infants hence the app is aimed at doing away with this setback. The app is also essential for fathers in ensuring that they monitor the lifestyle of the infants whereby they can ensure that the kids have enough breastfeeding and at the right scheduled time (WHO, 2017). The app ensures that the fathers are connected and are in a position of sharing their experiences.
The WHO mHealth Technical and Evidence Review Group (mTERG) is one of the data sources used in the study. It depicts adequacy of data as per the different mHealth interventions given. The group is made up of recognized world experts in various matters concerning mHealth, maternal, newborn and, child health and reproductive issues (WHO, 2017). As such, it serves as the best platform for deriving data necessary for evaluating the progress of the Milk Man App. Whatsoever, the different data used by this group is obtained through transparent processes, systemic evaluations and research reviews that help establish methodologies on information that is not altered in any way. The data given in the study is based on this group which builds a consensus recommendation which enables the identification of strategies used in mHealth strategies for improving the health system value (WHO, 2017).
Stoyanov et al. (2015) and Hides et al. (2014) give information regarding Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), which provide relevant information necessary for the evaluation of all mobile apps developed for health welfare and in particular the Milk Man App. This tool addressed in these studies provides a scale that is used in the evaluation of mHealth apps based on the level of engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information. These sources give a basis on which one can evaluate the app to determine whether it is working as per the expectations of the app builders. Similarly, the adequacy of data in these sources gives the app builders a platform to consider the new aspects that can be added in the app to match the technological advancement and the different changes in parenting and health care updates (Stoyanov et al., 2015; Hides et al., 2014). Development of Milk Man App was based on the formulative evaluation of the input form the health professionals and the target group. These data was obtained through the use of completion of MARS and user testing phase. The adequacy of the data from this research based on questionnaires and content analysis led to the app development (White et al., 2016).
Evaluative activities include evidence gathering, performance monitoring approaches, and more research. The essence of evaluative activity is to improve on decision making and organizational efficiency. The evaluative study that would be undertaken next would be an evaluation of the limitations associated with the use of the Milk Man App. Although there are many advantages associated with the app, there are certain restrictions which if excluded can result with more success in the app usage. Among the limitations that were associated with the mHealth apps in a study by Knight et al. (2015) include that additional cost for download of the app, subscription fee, and purchases. By eliminating some of the disadvantages related to the app, the number of users is likely to increase. Evaluation on the clinical use of the app could be another ideal evaluative activity that could gauge the possibility of using the app in delivering primary health care. Some of the implications given by Knight et al. (2015) include the possibility of using the mHealth app in booking appointments and booking appointments that can help reduce the economic burdens.
References
Hides, L., Kavanagh, D., Stoyanov, S., Zelenko O., Tjondroegoro, D., & Mani, M. (2014). Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS): A new tool for assessing the quality of mobile health applications. Melbourne: Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre.
Knight, E., Stuckey, M., Prapavessis, H., & Petrella, R. (2015). Public health guidelines for physical activity: Is there an app for that? A review of android and Apple app stores. JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth, 3(2), e43.
Stoyanov S. R., Hides L., Kavanagh D. J., Zelenko O., Tjondronegoro D., Mani M. (2015). Mobile app rating scale: A new tool for assessing the quality of health mobile apps. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 3(1), 27.
White, B. K., Burns, S. K., Giglia, R. C., & Scott, J. A. (2016). Designing evaluation plans for health promotion mHealth interventions: A case study of the Milk Man mobile app. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 27(3), 198-203.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). WHO mHealth Technical and Evidence Review Group (mTERG) for reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/mhealth/mterg/en/
