Refinement of a pharmacogenomics app for dosing guidelines for oncology: findings from the usability evaluation

BACKGROUND: This study extended a precision medicine clinical decision support mobile application (app) for use with oncology medications. Two gene variants (CYP2D6 and DPYD) associated with pharmacogenomic dosing algorithms in oncology was added to a prototype app. Usability of the app was evaluated. The use of smartphones and mobile apps for prescribing medications has exponentially increased since the introduction of physician order entry. Decision support apps have improved provider performance and studies have shown broader adoption is crucial for the success of these tools. Therefore, successful use of mobile apps will depend on perceptions of users. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation theory will be the guiding framework for this study. METHODS: The main research variable is usability as measured by effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction. A mixed method design was used. The setting was inpatient and outpatient oncology practices within North Carolina. The sample included registered nurses and nurse practitioners within the oncology field. A functioning mobile app was extended based on the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines to address the most common gene variants seen in oncology patients. Usability testing is divided into two main categories, inspection and testing methods. Prior to the field study, a heuristic evaluation was conducted. This evaluation inspected the user interface, comparing the elements and aspects of it to a set of principles, heuristics, as a guideline to evaluate the usability of the mobile app. RESULTS: The testing evaluation was conducted with a sample of 51 health care providers to evaluate usability, measured by the System Usability Scale and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize usefulness and end-user perceived ease of use. In addition, a thematic analysis of the open-ended questions was conducted. CONCLUSIONS: The development of this mobile app is relevant to nurses who have prescriptive privileges, as well as an educational tool for nurses to understand the rationale behind prescribing certain medications and alternate dosages by providing specific recommendations. Translation of precision medicine into practice will benefit patients by improving care, reducing adverse reactions, and lowering costs.