Quality benchmarking of smartphone laboratory medicine applications: comparison of laboratory medicine specialists’ and non-laboratory medicine professionals’ evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Snežana Jovičić ◽  
Joanna Siodmiak ◽  
Marta Duque Alcorta ◽  
Maximillian Kittel ◽  
Wytze Oosterhuis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Quality ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
Laboratory Test Results ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Mobile Health Applications ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Health Applications

AbstractObjectivesThere are many mobile health applications (apps) now available and some that use in some way laboratory medicine data. Among them, patient-oriented are of the lowest content quality. The aim of this study was to compare the opinions of non-laboratory medicine professionals (NLMP) with those of laboratory medicine specialists (LMS) and define the benchmarks for quality assessment of laboratory medicine apps.MethodsTwenty-five volunteers from six European countries evaluated 16 selected patient-oriented apps. Participants were 20–60 years old, 44% were females, with different educational degrees, and no professional involvement in laboratory medicine. Each participant completed a questionnaire based on the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and the System Usability Scale, as previously used for rating the app quality by LMS. The responses from the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation.ResultsThe median total score of NLMP app evaluation was 2.73 out of 5 (IQR 0.95) compared to 3.78 (IQR 1.05) by the LMS. All scores were statistically significantly lower in the NLMP group (p<0.05), except for the item Information quality (p=0.1631). The suggested benchmarks for a useful appear: increasing awareness of the importance and delivering an understanding of persons’ own laboratory test results; understandable terminology; easy to use; appropriate graphic design, and trustworthy information.ConclusionsNLMP’ evaluation confirmed the low utility of currently available laboratory medicine apps. A reliable app should contain trustworthy and understandable information. The appearance of an app should be fit for purpose and easy to use.

scholarly journals IFCC Working Group Recommendations for Assessing Commutability Part 1: General Experimental Design

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
W Greg Miller ◽  
Heinz Schimmel ◽  
Robert Rej ◽  
Neil Greenberg ◽  
Ferruccio Ceriotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
External Quality Assessment ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Essential Property ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Medical Decisions ◽  
Laboratory Test Results ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Critical Components ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Commutability is a property of a reference material (RM) that relates to the closeness of agreement between results for an RM and results for clinical samples (CSs) when measured by ≥2 measurement procedures (MPs). Commutability of RMs used in a calibration traceability scheme is an essential property for them to be fit for purpose. Similarly, commutability of trueness controls or external quality assessment samples is essential when those materials are used to assess trueness of results for CSs. This report is part 1 of a 3-part series describing how to assess commutability of RMs. Part 1 defines commutability and addresses critical components of the experimental design for commutability assessment, including selection of individual CSs, use of pooled CSs, qualification of MPs for inclusion, establishing criteria for the determination that an RM is commutable, generalization of commutability conclusions to future measurements made with the MPs included in the assessment, and information regarding commutability to be included in the certificate for an RM. Parts 2 and 3 in the series present 2 different statistical approaches to commutability assessment that use fixed criteria related to the medical decisions that will be made using the laboratory test results.

scholarly journals European views on patients directly obtaining their laboratory test results

2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian D. Watson ◽  
Joanna Siodmiak ◽  
Wytze P. Oosterhuis ◽  
Joel Corberand ◽  
Per E. Jorgensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Technologies ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Information Age ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
European Federation ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Laboratory Test Results ◽  
Laboratory Results ◽  
Changing Practices

AbstractMedicine is a highly professionalized endeavour, by tradition centred on the authority of physicians. Better education and the advent of the information age cater for increased demands on society in general and on health care in particular to enable people to make informed decisions regarding themselves. Participation in medical decisions requires informed knowledge which is hard to obtain without substantial and time consuming professional help.We performed a survey amongst the member organizations of European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) in order to investigate the recognition and preparedness of providing help to patients in interpreting their laboratory results.Out of 40 EFLM Member Societies, 27 sent their responses to the survey. In most cases the first line delivery of laboratory results to physicians is by computer link (63%). Patients receive their laboratory results on demand from their physician in 60% of cases. However, 34% of laboratory specialists showed a negative attitude for delivering laboratory results to patients. Yet, in 48% of countries 1–5 patients per day ask a laboratory specialist about the significance of laboratory results outside the reference range. When patients are informed about the purpose of laboratory testing, they seek information primarily from their physician, followed by the internet and the Specialist in Laboratory Medicine.Changing practices increasingly enabling patient access to their records are on the increase facilitated by recent innovations in information technologies. Successful transfer of some of the responsibilities of physicians, demands a mutual triangular dialogue between the patient, their physician and laboratory medicine.

scholarly journals Promoting Health via Mobile Health Applications: Adaptation and Validation of a French Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (Preprint)

10.2196/30480 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Saliasi ◽  
Prescilla Martinon ◽  
Emily Darlington ◽  
Colette Smentek ◽  
Delphine Tardivo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Health ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
French Version ◽  
Mobile Health Applications ◽  
Health Applications

scholarly journals Quantitative Evaluation of Chinese Herb Medicine in the Treatment of Sialorrhea and Frequent Nighttime Urination in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Chuanhe Sun ◽  
Dandan Wang ◽  
Wenfei Jiang ◽  
Weilong Liao ◽  
Penglin Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Chinese Herb ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Laboratory Test Results ◽  
Disease Rating ◽  
Secondary Results

Aims. To evaluate the efficacy of Lian-Se formula (LSF), one Chinese herb formulation for treating sialorrhea and frequent overnight urination in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods. 96 PD patients suffering from sialorrhea and/or frequent nighttime urination were divided into two groups: an LSF group (n = 48) treated with LSF for 6 weeks and a placebo group (n = 48) treated with a placebo formula whose appearance and taste were the same as LSF for 6 weeks. All patients were treated by standard antiparkinsonism medicine according to the PD guideline of China. The changes of the quantity of saliva (QS) (mL), frequency of nighttime urination (FNU) and early sleep activity (ESA), and nocturnal activity (NA) by analyzing actigraphic records as the primary results and the total score of unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) as the secondary results were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy in both groups. Results. There were no significant differences in the baseline values of QS, FNU, NA, ESA, UPDRS total score, and ESS between the two groups. At the end of week 6, the QS, FNU, NA, and ESA in the LSF group showed superior results to those of the placebo group with no differences in the total UPDRS score between the two groups during the investigation. The ESS was significantly improved at the end of week 6 compared with the baseline and the placebo group. Laboratory test results indicated there were no side effects in either group. Conclusion. The findings of LSF treatment have clear clinical effects in patients with sialorrhea and frequent overnight urination. LSF thus appears to be a potential choice as an additional drug that can improve the sialorrhea and frequent overnight urination symptoms of PD patients.

Interlaboratory EQA programmes realized in 2016 by Centre for Quality Assessment in Laboratory Medicine

2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-234
Author(s):  
Barbara Przybył-Hac ◽  
Andrzej Brzeziński
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Test ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
Evaluation Criterion ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Laboratory Test Results ◽  
Medical Diagnostic

In 2016 year the Centre for Quality Assessment in Laboratory Medicine within the 8 programs to assess the of laboratory test results completed 28 interlaboratory surveys, which were attend by ca. 1600 medical diagnostic laboratories. Unfortunately we were unable to extend the offer of evaluated components or the frequency of surveys carried out so far. In all tests carried out in 2016 year, a slight increase in correct results according to each evaluation criterion was noted.

scholarly journals Stay Present with Your Phone: A Systematic Review and Standardized Rating of Mindfulness Apps in European App Stores

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana Schultchen ◽  
Yannik Terhorst ◽  
Tanja Holderied ◽  
Michael Stach ◽  
Eva-Maria Messner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Quality ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Privacy Policy ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract Background Mindfulness-based interventions show positive effects on physical and mental health. For a better integration of mindfulness techniques in daily life, the use of apps may be promising. However, only a few studies have examined the quality of mindfulness apps using a validated standardized instrument. This review aims to evaluate the content, quality, and privacy features of mindfulness-focused apps from European commercial app stores. Methods An automated search engine (webcrawler) was used to identify mindfulness-focused apps in the European Apple App- and Google Play store. Content, quality, and privacy features were evaluated by two independent reviewers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). The MARS assesses the subscales engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality. Results Out of 605 identified apps, 192 met the inclusion criteria. The overall quality was moderate (M = 3.66, SD = 0.48). Seven apps were tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Most of the apps showed a lack of data security and no privacy policy. The five apps with the highest ratings are from a credible source, include a privacy policy, and are also based on standardized mindfulness and behavior change techniques. Conclusions The plethora of often low-quality apps in commercial app stores makes it difficult for users to identify a suitable app. Above that, the lack of scientific verification of effectiveness and shortcomings in privacy protection and security poses potential risks. So far, the potential of mindfulness-focused apps is not exploited in commercial app stores.

scholarly journals A Systematic Evaluation of Mobile Health Applications for the Prevention of Suicidal Behavior or Non-suicidal Self-injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lasse B. Sander ◽  
Marie-Luise Lemor ◽  
Racine J. A. Van der Sloot ◽  
Eva De Jaegere ◽  
Rebekka Büscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Self Injury ◽  
Mobile Health Applications ◽  
Health Applications

People with suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior face numerous barriers to help-seeking, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile health applications (MHA) are discussed as one solution to improve healthcare. However, the commercial app markets are growing unregulated and rapidly, leading to an inscrutable market. This study evaluates the quality, features, functions, and prevention strategies of MHA for people with suicidal ideation and NSSI. An automatic search engine identified MHA for suicidal behavior and NSSI in the European commercial app stores. MHA quality and general characteristics were assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). MHA of high quality (top 25%) were examined in detail and checked for consistency with established suicide prevention strategies. Of 10,274 identified apps, 179 MHA met the predefined inclusion criteria. Average MHA quality was moderate (M = 3.56, SD = 0.40). Most MHA provided emergency contact, but lacked security features. High-quality MHA were broadly consistent with the best-practice guidelines. The search revealed apps containing potentially harmful and triggering content, and no randomized controlled trial of any included MHA was found. Despite a large heterogeneity in the quality of MHA, high-quality MHA for suicidal behavior and NSSI are available in European commercial app stores. However, a lack of a scientific evidence base poses potential threats to users.

scholarly journals “Help in a Heartbeat?”: A Systematic Evaluation of Mobile Health Applications (Apps) for Coronary Heart Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10323
Author(s):  
Chiara Mack ◽  
Yannik Terhorst ◽  
Mirjam Stephan ◽  
Harald Baumeister ◽  
Michael Stach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Mobile Health Applications ◽  
Health Applications

For patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) lifestyle changes and disease management are key aspects of treatment that could be facilitated by mobile health applications (MHA). However, the quality and functions of MHA for CHD are largely unknown, since reviews are missing. Therefore, this study assessed the general characteristics, quality, and functions of MHA for CHD. Hereby, the Google Play and Apple App stores were systematically searched using a web crawler. The general characteristics and quality of MHA were rated with the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) by two independent raters. From 3078 identified MHA, 38 met the pre-defined criteria and were included in the assessment. Most MHA were affiliated with commercial companies (52.63%) and lacked an evidence-base. An overall average quality of MHA (M = 3.38, SD = 0.36) was found with deficiencies in information quality and engagement. The most common functions were provision of information and CHD risk score calculators. Further functions included reminders (e.g., for medication or exercises), feedback, and health management support. Most MHA (81.58%) had one or two functions and MHA with more features had mostly higher MARS ratings. In summary, this review demonstrated that a number of potentially helpful MHA for patients with CHD are commercially available. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence documenting their usability and clinical potential. Since it is difficult for patients and healthcare providers to find suitable and high-quality MHA, databases with professionally reviewed MHA are required.

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