Evaluation of the Wateen App in the Blood-Donation Process in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusions are essential for many medical procedures, but current supplies of blood are insufficient to meet the needs of all patients. Apps offer a means to improve donor recruitment and enhance blood-donation systems, if they are usable and useful. The Saudi Ministry of Health launched a blood-donation app, “Wateen”. However, there is currently no evidence of the app’s usability and usefulness among users. PURPOSE: The aim of this research was to evaluate the usability, user satisfaction and perceived usefulness of this blood-donation app in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A mixed-method study was conducted comprising a quantitative questionnaire with donors, and qualitative semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals. Descriptive analysis was used for the quantitative data and a thematic approach for the qualitative data. RESULTS: A total of 401 donors completed the questionnaire, 53.7% of whom were males. Most participants were highly satisfied with the Wateen app and found this app easy to use and navigate. Older people found the app less easy to use compared with younger respondents. Key benefits identified by questionnaire respondents included the potential to encourage donation, and improve communication. A total of 12 healthcare professionals were interviewed. Most healthcare professionals expressed that the app was generally acceptable and easy to use. They felt that the app has the potential to be effective in enhancing donor awareness, facilitating communication between donors and healthcare professionals, and improving the efficiency of the donation process. Some accessibility issues were identified that need to be considered. It was also suggested that more be done to expand the app functionality and increase awareness of the app. CONCLUSION: This blood-donation app is highly usable and acceptable among donors and healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia, offering several benefits. Some accessibility issues were identified, along with possibilities for improving accessibility and expanding the app’s functionality.