What is it?
Faarmacos is an app that assists with the correct use of medications during treatment and/or ongoing use for chronic diseases.
Through the app, users can check drug interactions, check for adverse reactions, and schedule medication appointments.
Who
This app was developed by me (Raphael Gomes) and Henrique Mendes (pharmacist).
I’m responsible for developing the app, database, and dashboard/backend for our data control and evaluation. I also developed the app’s branding and interface.
The pharmacist is responsible for creating all the content for the interaction table, information that helps users use their medications, and other communication texts.
Fase 1
We conducted objective research using Google Forms to gather important information and develop the first version of the app.
This research was important so that we could:
- Answer key questions about medication use (FAQ)
- Indicate the correct use of medications
- Define the app’s main initial profiles
First version
A first version of the app was launched on the Play Store with the option to check drug interactions, provide usage tips, and answer the most common questions about medication use.
We quickly had a significant number of downloads and registrations. In this version, we sought to capture important data for future decision-making, including who our users were and how they used our app.
Results
By analyzing data via dashboards and direct conversations (via the app’s contact field), we received a lot of feedback. We therefore decided to change some critical aspects of the app.
The more than 8,000 inquiries highlighted the main areas for improvement:
- Medication selection model (add autocomplete instead of a list);
- Increased number of recorded interactions;
- More complete medication data;
Fase 2
Using the information presented and the data analysis (dashboard), we developed an online prototype (html/js/css), thus validating the implemented changes more quickly.
Research
We selected users who used the application the most and had an established profile to conduct interviews via Skype, recording the screen/user.
Objectives
- Validate the new interaction search interface
- Task: Query the drug interaction between Medication X and Medication Y
- Validate whether the quantity of medication was sufficient for the user.
- Task: Check the interactions between medications of your choice.
- Validate the availability of package inserts
- Task: Consult the package insert for medication Y
- Ask what other features they believe are important within a medication app.
- Ask which pharmaceutical application they currently use to help them in their daily lives, their frequency of use and satisfaction.
Results
By analyzing the interview responses, we confirmed that the improvements made to this online version of the prototype were effective. Furthermore, it introduced us to new areas for improvement and features. These include:
- Addition of barcode reading for medicines
- Consult more medications at the same time
We are currently implementing new features to ensure the app remains viable across all business aspects.