Development of a Mobile App for Rapid Diagnostic Result Communication in Laboratory Settings

Thesis Abstract

Efficient communication of diagnostic results in laboratory settings remains a critical factor influencing timely clinical decision-making and patient management, yet current manual and electronic communication practices often encounter delays, errors, and limited accessibility, particularly in resource-constrained environments. This study aims to develop and evaluate a mobile application designed to facilitate rapid, secure, and accurate communication of laboratory diagnostic results to clinicians and healthcare providers. The specific objectives are to identify existing communication bottlenecks, design a user-centered mobile app prototype incorporating real-time result transmission, and assess the app’s effectiveness in improving communication speed, accuracy, and user satisfaction. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates qualitative needs assessment with quantitative evaluation. The population comprises laboratory scientists, clinicians, and health information technology professionals within a metropolitan hospital network, totaling 150 potential users. A stratified random sampling technique selected a sample size of 60 participants for surveys and focus group discussions, ensuring representation across different staff roles. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires, semi-structured interview guides, and usability testing protocols. The questionnaires measure perceived communication delays, information accuracy, and user satisfaction before and after app implementation, while interviews explore contextual barriers and facilitators. Usability testing involves observational assessment and task completion time measurement during app interaction sessions. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and regression analysis to compare communication metrics pre- and post-implementation. The thematic analysis approach is used to analyze qualitative data, applying Braun and Clarke’s procedures to identify recurrent themes relevant to user experience and workflow integration. The development process aligns with the Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Health Belief Model, both guiding the design of user engagement strategies and adoption facilitators embedded within the app. Expected findings suggest that the mobile app significantly reduces diagnostic result communication time by an average of 35%, enhances accuracy by limiting manual transcription errors, and improves user satisfaction scores by over 40% among targeted healthcare providers. Furthermore, qualitative insights are anticipated to reveal increased confidence in result delivery and improved interdisciplinary collaboration. The analysis is expected to identify key factors influencing adoption and sustained use, such as ease of use, perceived usefulness, and institutional support. This research contributes novel insights into ICT-driven solutions for laboratory communication within healthcare systems, demonstrating that a tailored mobile app can effectively address systemic delays and inaccuracies. By integrating user-centered design principles and behavioral theories, the study provides a scalable template for implementing similar solutions in diverse clinical contexts. The findings underscore the importance of technology-enabled communication in optimizing laboratory workflows and enhancing clinical outcomes. The study concludes that mobile applications represent a viable and impactful approach to modernizing laboratory result dissemination, with recommendations for comprehensive implementation, user training, and ongoing evaluation. It advocates for policy frameworks that support digital health innovations, emphasizing interoperability, data security, and stakeholder engagement. Future research should explore longitudinal effects on clinical decision-making and patient safety, as well as integration with electronic health records systems to ensure seamless information flow across healthcare institutions.