Usability, inclusivity, and content evaluation of COVID-19 contact tracing apps in the United States. (22nd June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blacklow, Serena O; Lisker, Sarah; Ng, Madelena Y; Sarkar, Urmimala; Lyles, Courtney
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. Volume 28:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 1982
• Page End: 1989
• Publication Date: 2021-06-22
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- contact tracing -- mobile apps -- digital literacy -- usability; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; Information Services -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Informatica; Geneeskunde; Informatique médicale; Computer network resources; Electronic journals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocab093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-5027

Abstract

Abstract: We evaluated the usability of mobile COVID-19 contact tracing apps, especially for individuals with barriers to communication and limited digital literacy skills. We searched the Apple App Store, Google Play, peer-reviewed literature, and lay press to find contact tracing apps in the United States. We evaluated apps with a framework focused on user characteristics and user interface. Of the final 26 apps, 77% were on both iPhone and Android. 69% exceeded 9th grade readability, and 65% were available only in English. Only 12% had inclusive illustrations (different genders, skin tones, physical abilities). 92% alerted users of an exposure, 42% linked to a testing site, and 62% linked to a public health website within 3 clicks. Most apps alert users of COVID-19 exposure but require high English reading levels and are not fully inclusive of the U.S. population, which may limit their reach as public health tools.