Need assessment and development of a mobile-based medication dosage calculation application for ICU nurses

Medication dosage calculation errors are among the most common errors of nurses in intensive care unit (ICU). Mobile devices can advance drug dosage calculation processes. This study aimed to develop a medication dosage calculation application for nurses in ICUs. This study was performed in teaching hospitals of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2018. The required features was determined in a need assessment survey of nurses. As well, two specialists were interviewed to determine the medications used in the ICUs. Then, the application was developed using formative usability testing. Overall, 80% of the participants (n = 120) answered the survey. Nineteen out of 29 features determined in the survey, and 25 medications selected by the specialists and participants were used to development the application. The usability test of the prototype found 15 problems. After fixing, 2 problems were identified and fixed in the final version. According to the participants, the medication dosage calculation application increases the accuracy of drug dosage and reduces errors. The user-identified features were developed in-app. User-centered usability testing in this study improved development based on the users’ needs. The method used in this study can be used to develop health applications which conform to user needs.