In the first quarter, corresponding to the months of October, November and December 2013, the main objective related to the research aspect of the project was to assess the usability of smartphones by the target population. Usability tests were performed in two primary healthcare units in São Paulo (UBS Vila Dalva - Western region of São Paulo, and UBS Vila Espanhola – Northern region of São Paulo), with 20 patients. The three researchers (SA, PV, RN) who conducted the interviews, worked together in the discussion, translation and adaptation of the questionnaire, and also in the app handling.

In the next quarter, which referred to the period from January 1st. to March 31st. 2014, efforts were directed towards achieving the final written version of the CONEMO app both in Spanish and Portuguese, and developed the Nurse Assistant Support System. The tasks of the research protocol and procedures for the Pilot Study were also defined.

The third quarter referred to Phase 3 of the Formative Research, which included the 3-month period between April 1st and June 30th 2014. We conducted further usability tests with two volunteers in São Paulo, which generated relevant information during the visit of the NW team and a better understanding of the complexity of the CONEMO system by USP and UPCH teams. This also culminated with better quality in drafting documents and other materials related to the study.

In the Phase 4 of the Formative Research, including the 3-month period from July 1st to September 25th. During this phase, the tasks of the different professionals involved in the pilot test were defined as well as the strategy for recruiting candidates for the study pilot. The Nurse Assistant Manual and the Participant’s Guide were concluded in the 3 languages (English, Portuguese and Spanish) and a special guide for the use of the smartphone app was elaborated to make sure both nurses and patients would have a quick reference guide. The material for the NA training was prepared.