Smart ICT MED, mHealth development to basic illness symptoms.

Background: Countries worldwide are increasingly integrating advanced information technology into digital health to enhance public health services. However, overcrowded medical services and limited public health literacy remain challenges, especially in Thailand, where reliance on healthcare providers often overshadows self-care capabilities. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the Smart ICT MED app, a mobile health solution designed to empower users in managing basic health conditions through preliminary symptom assessment, self-monitoring, and locating nearby hospitals. This innovative application leverages insights from medical experts and user feedback, aiming to reduce healthcare burdens, promote health literacy, and support efficient self-diagnosis.

Methods: This study addresses challenges through the Smart ICT MED app, developed using data from 54 symptom groups from Clinical Drug Information, medical handbooks, and expert insights. Designed for user-friendliness, the application incorporates feedback to meet specific needs.

Results: Prototypes were created, evaluated, and improved based on medical professionals' input. The application features four key functions: preliminary symptom assessment, advice, self-monitoring conditions, and locating nearby hospitals. Despite challenges in application store publication, the application reached 87 hospitals nationwide through social media. The application recorded total 6,694 downloads with substantial user engagement.

Conclusions: The application provides a reliable tool for self-diagnosis of 54 disease groups, validated by medical experts. It features a user-friendly interface and comprehensive healthcare management tools, showing high user engagement and potential for a positive public health impact. Ongoing efforts to enhance user engagement, integrate professional medical consultations, and streamline the publication process are essential for its continued success and wider adoption.