Exploring Individuals’ Views and Feedback on a Nutritional Screening Mobile App: Qualitative Focus Group Study
Authors: Jones Debra , Sowerbutts Anne Marie , Burden Sorrel 
Published: December 2024

Background

Malnutrition is a major global health challenge. Worldwide, approximately 390 million adults are underweight, while 2.5 billion are overweight. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) has been implemented successfully in the United Kingdom to assess the nutritional status of patients in health care settings. Currently, MUST is available as a web-based tool or as a paper-based version, However, the paper tool can lead to calculation errors, and web-based tools require internet access, limiting use in some communities. The MUST app uses clear and simple navigation and processes information precisely, so could potentially improve the accuracy and accessibility of malnutrition screening for health care professionals (HCP) in all settings.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the views of HCPs on the content, functionality, and usability of a newly developed mobile app for MUST.

Methods

We performed a qualitative study using deductive and inductive framework analysis. A series of online focus groups (~1 hour each) were conducted, exploring potential users’ views on the app’s content design, functionality, and usefulness, which was set in demonstration mode and not available for direct use with patients. Each focus group used a semistructured approach and predefined topic guide. Participants were recruited consecutively and United Kingdom–wide using advertisements through emails, newsletters, and on social media across appropriate local and national networks. Participants had the opportunity to look at the app on their phones before giving feedback and an on-screen demonstration of the app was provided during the focus group. Data were analyzed using deductive and inductive framework analysis.

Results

In total, 8 online focus groups were conducted between August 2022 and January 2023. Participants (n=32) were dietetic and nutrition HCPs or educators with experience in using MUST in clinical or community settings. Data analysis revealed three broad themes: (1) improving the app for better use in practice, (2) user experience of design, and (3) barriers and facilitators in different settings. Overall feedback for the app was positive with potential users considering it to be very useful for improving routine and accurate screening, particularly in the community, and mainly because of the automatic calculation feature, which may help with improving discrepancies. Participants generally considered the app to be for professional use only, stating that patients may find it too clinical or technical. Participants also made suggestions for app sustainability and improvements, such as incentives to complete the demographics section or the option to skip questions, and the addition of more subjective measures and instructions on measuring ulna length.

Conclusions

The MUST app was positively evaluated by potential users, who reported it was user-friendly and an accessible way to screen for malnutrition risk, whilst improving the accuracy of screening and availability in community settings.