Development of Android-based Mobile Application “Cyber Gen” for Genetic Counselling Implementation among Thalassemia Patients

Abstract

Abstract Thalassemia is a genetic disease that causes various physical and psychosocial problems. Patients will experience psychosocial and emotional disorders in the form of feelings of depression, anxiety and other problems. Nurses as counselors need to provide genetic counseling interventions as a strategy to overcome these problems through information technology media such as android-based mobile applications. Android-based information technology is the most common and easy-to-use medium for nurses to provide health services such as genetic counseling. This research method used Research and Development design which aimed to design, produce and test the validity of the products that have been produced. The research phase used a qualitative approach to find out the problems and needs of the android application for the implementation of genetic counseling. Furthermore, the system development stage used the FAST (Framework for Application of Systems Technology) method which consists of preliminary investigation, problem analysis, requirements analysis, decision analysis, system design and construction. Testing of the Android-based Cyber Gene mobile application for the implementation of genetic counseling in thalassemia patients was carried out by testing all existing menus using secondary data. The result of this research is the Android-based Mobile Application “Cyber Gene” for Genetic Counseling Implementation among Thalassemia Patients. Nurses, thalassemia patients, and their caregivers can use this application for the comprehensive genetic counseling intervention process with instant messaging through the Live Consultation menu based on the predetermined procedure. Testing the system installed on android version 1.1 with the result that all menus and submenus on the system can be accessed and work well. Therefore, the Cyber Gene application can be used for the implementation of genetic counseling in thalassemia patients, both in hospitals and other health facilities.