Quality in Use in Connected Mental Health: Protocol for a Systematic Mapping Study

Background Quality in use (QiU), a stakeholder-centered dimension of software quality encompassing effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, and freedom from risk, is essential in evaluating digital systems, particularly in health-related domains. Although QiU has been explored in various fields, its application within connected mental health (CMH) systems remains fragmented and understudied. Given the rapid rise in CMH technologies, ranging from mobile apps to teletherapy platforms, understanding how QiU is conceptualized, evaluated, and reported in this domain has become increasingly urgent. Objective This study aims to systematically map and synthesize existing research on QiU in CMH applications. It seeks to identify current trends, research gaps, evaluation methods, and the range of technologies examined concerning QiU. Methods A systematic mapping methodology following the guidelines by Petersen et al will be used. The process includes defining mapping questions, developing a classification scheme, and systematically searching and analyzing peer-reviewed literature from databases—Scopus, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library. Eight mapping questions will guide the analysis, focusing on publication trends, research types, empirical evaluations, QiU characteristics and subcharacteristics, and technologies studied. Results As this paper presents the protocol for an ongoing mapping study, results are not yet available. The literature search and data analysis are scheduled for completion in 2026. Preliminary screening suggests variability in how QiU is defined and evaluated across CMH technologies, highlighting the need for systematic synthesis. Conclusions This systematic mapping study will fill a critical gap by providing a comprehensive overview of QiU research in the context of CMH. By organizing and classifying the existing literature, the study will inform future research, support the development of more user-centered CMH tools, and contribute to establishing more consistent evaluation practices in this growing field. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/79611