Smartphone Apps Targeting Physical Activity in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Quality Appraisal and Content Analysis

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling, inflammatory joint condition affecting 0.5%-1% of the global population. Physical activity (PA) and exercise are recommended for people with RA, but uptake and adherence tend to be low. Smartphone apps could assist people with RA to achieve PA recommendations. However, it is not known whether high quality, evidence-informed PA apps that include behavior change techniques (BCTs) previously identified as effective for PA adherence are available for people with RA. Objective This study aims to systematically identify apps that include goals to facilitate PA for adults with RA and assess app quality and content for the inclusion of relevant BCTs against recommendations for cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor PA and exercise. Methods A systematic search of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the United Kingdom was conducted to identify English language apps that promote PA for adults with RA. Two researchers independently assessed app quality (mobile app rating scale [MARS]; range 0-5) and content (BCT Taxonomy version 1, World Health Organization, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the European League against Rheumatism recommendations for PA). The completeness of reporting of PA prescription was evaluated using a modified version of the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT; range 0-14). Results A total of 14,047 apps were identified. Following deduplication, 2737 apps were screened for eligibility; 6 apps were downloaded (2 on the Apple App Store and 4 on the Google Play Store), yielding 4 unique apps. App quality varied (MARS score 2.25-4.17). Only 1 app was congruent with all aspects of the PA recommendations. All apps completely or partially recommended flexibility and resistance exercises, 3 apps completely or partially advised some form of neuromotor exercise, but only 2 offered full or partial guidance on cardiorespiratory exercise. Completeness of exercise reporting was mixed (CERT scores 7-14 points) and 3-7 BCTs were identified. Two BCTs were common to all apps (information about health consequences and instruction on how to perform behavior). Higher quality apps included a greater number of BCTs and were more closely aligned to PA guidance. No published trials evaluating the effect of the included apps were identified. Conclusions This review identifies 4 PA apps of mixed quality and content for use by people with RA. Higher quality apps were more closely aligned to PA guidance and included a greater number of BCTs. One high-quality app (Rheumatoid Arthritis Information Support and Education) included 7 BCTs and was fully aligned with PA and exercise guidance. The effect of apps on PA adherence should be established before implementation.

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Smartphone Apps Targeting Physical Activity in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Quality Appraisal and Content Analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.18495 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lindsay M Bearne ◽

Mandeep Sekhon ◽

Rebecca Grainger ◽

Anthony La ◽

Mehrdad Shamali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Mobile App ◽

Information Support ◽

World Health ◽

Smartphone Apps ◽

High Quality ◽

App Store ◽

Google Play

BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling, inflammatory joint condition affecting 0.5%-1% of the global population. Physical activity (PA) and exercise are recommended for people with RA, but uptake and adherence tend to be low. Smartphone apps could assist people with RA to achieve PA recommendations. However, it is not known whether high quality, evidence-informed PA apps that include behavior change techniques (BCTs) previously identified as effective for PA adherence are available for people with RA. OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically identify apps that include goals to facilitate PA for adults with RA and assess app quality and content for the inclusion of relevant BCTs against recommendations for cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor PA and exercise. METHODS A systematic search of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the United Kingdom was conducted to identify English language apps that promote PA for adults with RA. Two researchers independently assessed app quality (mobile app rating scale [MARS]; range 0-5) and content (BCT Taxonomy version 1, World Health Organization, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the European League against Rheumatism recommendations for PA). The completeness of reporting of PA prescription was evaluated using a modified version of the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT; range 0-14). RESULTS A total of 14,047 apps were identified. Following deduplication, 2737 apps were screened for eligibility; 6 apps were downloaded (2 on the Apple App Store and 4 on the Google Play Store), yielding 4 unique apps. App quality varied (MARS score 2.25-4.17). Only 1 app was congruent with all aspects of the PA recommendations. All apps completely or partially recommended flexibility and resistance exercises, 3 apps completely or partially advised some form of neuromotor exercise, but only 2 offered full or partial guidance on cardiorespiratory exercise. Completeness of exercise reporting was mixed (CERT scores 7-14 points) and 3-7 BCTs were identified. Two BCTs were common to all apps (information about health consequences and instruction on how to perform behavior). Higher quality apps included a greater number of BCTs and were more closely aligned to PA guidance. No published trials evaluating the effect of the included apps were identified. CONCLUSIONS This review identifies 4 PA apps of mixed quality and content for use by people with RA. Higher quality apps were more closely aligned to PA guidance and included a greater number of BCTs. One high-quality app (Rheumatoid Arthritis Information Support and Education) included 7 BCTs and was fully aligned with PA and exercise guidance. The effect of apps on PA adherence should be established before implementation.

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P102 Identifying physical activity mobile applications for people with rheumatoid arthritis: a content analysis and quality appraisal

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/keaa111.100 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

Lindsay Bearne ◽

Mandeep Sekhon ◽

Rebecca Grainger ◽

Anthony La ◽

Mehrdad Shamali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Mobile Applications ◽

Exercise Prescription ◽

Mobile App ◽

High Quality ◽

Physical Activity And Exercise ◽

Google Play

Abstract Background Physical activity and exercise (PA) are recommended for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although adherence to PA tends to be low. Accessible, tailored interventions are needed to help people with RA change their behaviour to achieve public health PA recommendations and improve health outcomes. Use of smartphones and mobile applications (apps) is increasing and apps may assist people to reach PA recommendations. However, the availability, quality and content of evidence-based PA apps for people with RA is unknown. This study assessed the features, content and quality of apps targeting PA for adults with RA by i) systematically identifying apps ii) summarising their features and content iii) comparing their content to physical activity and exercise guidelines and iv) rating app quality. Methods A systematic search of the UK Apple AppStore and Google Play store was conducted to identify apps designed to facilitate PA in adults with RA between 19th-20th June 2019. Apps were excluded if they were i) not in English ii) for use by clinicians only or ii) solely focused on advertising a clinic/product. No fee restrictions were applied. Android and iOS apps were downloaded to smartphones, features/functionality described, content coded using Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) and behaviour change technique taxonomy V1 (BCTTv1) and apps rated using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS range 0-5) by two independent reviewers. App features were compared with public health PA guidelines (150 minutes moderate PA/week or equivalent plus twice weekly resistance exercise) and American College of Sports Medicine recommendations for exercise prescription. Results Initially, 14,047 apps were identified. Following de-duplication, 2,737 apps were screened for eligibly and six apps were downloaded (two UK Apple AppStore, four Google Play store), yielding four unique apps. Only one app provided PA recommendations broadly aligned with public health PA guidelines and no apps aligned to ACSM exercise prescription guidelines or offered information on tailoring of PA to disease symptoms or health status. Apps included between 4-13 behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and three BCTs were common to all apps (demonstration of behaviour, instructions on how to perform behaviour, information about health consequences). Overall, MARS scores ranged between 2.25-4.17. Conclusion There is a lack of high-quality mobile apps which can be tailored to support PA for people with RA. Whilst all included apps incorporated some BCTs previously identified as effective for PA promotion, only one, high quality app provided PA recommendations which broadly aligned with public health PA guidelines but offered limited options for tailoring PA or exercise. Collaboration between adults with RA, clinicians, and app developers is needed to produce evidence informed apps, with embedded BCTs, which can be tailored to support people with RA achieve PA recommendations. Disclosures L. Bearne None. M. Sekhon None. R. Grainger None. A. La None. M. Shamali None. A. Amirova None. E. Godfrey None. C. White None.

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Mobile Applications in Otolaryngology: A Systematic Review of the Literature, Apple App Store and the Google Play Store

Annals of Otology Rhinology & Laryngology ◽

10.1177/0003489420940350 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 130 (1) ◽

pp. 78-91

Author(s):

Eleonora M. C. Trecca ◽

Antonio Lonigro ◽

Matteo Gelardi ◽

Brandon Kim ◽

Michele Cassano

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Case Reports ◽

Mobile App ◽

App Store ◽

Literature Reviews ◽

Scientific Associations ◽

Conference Papers ◽

Further Development ◽

Google Play

Objectives: Although the last few years have seen an increased number of smartphone applications (apps) disseminated in the field of Otolaryngology (ORL), these apps vary widely in quality. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to systematically review ORL apps directed towards patients in mobile app stores and the current literature. Methods: The Google Play Store, Apple App Store and PubMed were searched for ORL apps for patients using various keywords pertaining to different ORL subspecialties. Apps not relevant to the scope of this research and/or duplicates, educational apps, apps promoting a business, apps requiring specific separate hardware, and apps in non-English were excluded. In PubMed, keywords pertaining to the subspecialties were combined with “mobile app” in a search query; literature reviews, editorials, case reports, conference papers, duplicate articles, and articles irrelevant to ORL apps were excluded. The quality of apps with the highest number of reviews was assessed using the “Mobile App Rating Scale” (MARS), while the quality of the articles was rated using “The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology” (STROBE) Statement. Results: After searching the app stores, 1074 apps were included and grouped according to their ORL subspecialties. The overall MARS score of the ten most popular apps in each category was 3.65 out of 5. A total of 636 articles were identified in the literature, and 193 were included. The mean adherence percentage of the articles to the STROBE checklist was of 84.37%. Conclusions: Although the apps currently available need further development, their application in ORL appears promising. Further dialogue between physicians and patients, as well as formal support from professional and scientific associations, should be encouraged.

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Vaping-Related Mobile Apps Available in the Google Play Store After the Apple Ban: Content Review

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/20009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. e20009

Author(s):

Meredith C Meacham ◽

Erin A Vogel ◽

Johannes Thrul

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Mobile App ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

App Store ◽

Quit Smoking ◽

Quitting Smoking ◽

Do It Yourself ◽

Content Review ◽

Google Play

Background In response to health concerns about vaping devices (eg, youth nicotine use, lung injury), Apple removed 181 previously approved vaping-related apps from the App Store in November 2019. This policy change may lessen youth exposure to content that glamorizes vaping; however, it may also block important sources of information and vaping device control for adults seeking to use vaping devices safely. Objective Understanding the types of nicotine and cannabis vaping–related apps still available in the competing Google Play Store can shed light on how digital apps may reflect information available to consumers. Methods In December 2019, we searched the Google Play Store for vaping-related apps using the keywords "vape" and "vaping" and reviewed the first 100 apps presented in the results. We reviewed app titles, descriptions, screenshots, and metadata to categorize the intended substance (nicotine or cannabis/tetrahydrocannabinol) and the app’s purpose. The most installed apps in each purpose category were downloaded and evaluated for quality and usability with the Mobile App Rating Scale. Results Of the first 100 apps, 79 were related to vaping. Of these 79 apps, 43 (54%) were specific to nicotine, 3 (4%) were specific to cannabis, 1 (1%) was intended for either, and for the remaining 31 (39%), the intended substance was unclear. The most common purposes of the apps were making do-it-yourself e-liquids (28/79, 35%) or coils (25/79, 32%), games/entertainment (19/79, 24%), social networking (16/79, 20%), and shopping for vaping products (15/79, 19%). Of the 79 apps, at least 4 apps (5%) paired with vaping devices to control temperature or dose settings, 8 apps (10%) claimed to help people quit smoking using vaping, and 2 apps (3%) had the goal of helping people quit vaping. Conclusions The majority of vaping-related apps in the Google Play Store had features either to help users continue vaping, such as information for modifying devices, or to maintain interest in vaping. Few apps were for controlling device settings or assisting with quitting smoking or vaping. Assuming that these Google Play Store apps were similar in content to the Apple App Store apps that were removed, it appears that Apple’s ban would have a minimal effect on people who vape with the intention of quitting smoking or who are seeking information about safer vaping via mobile apps.

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Analysis of Secure Apps for Daily Clinical Use by German Orthopedic Surgeons: Searching for the "Needle in a Haystack" (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.17085 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Florian Dittrich ◽

Sascha Beck ◽

Anna Katharina Harren ◽

Felix Reinecke ◽

Sebastian Serong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Mobile App ◽

High Quality ◽

Clinical Routine ◽

Health Apps ◽

App Store ◽

Orthopedic Surgeons ◽

Future Challenges ◽

Mobile Health Apps

BACKGROUND It is undeniable that appropriate smartphone apps offer enormous opportunities for dealing with future challenges in orthopedic surgery and public health, in general. However, it is still unclear how the apps currently available in the two major app stores can be used in daily clinical routine by German orthopedic surgeons. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to gain evidence regarding the quantity and quality of apps available in the two major app stores and their suitability for use by orthopedic surgeons in Germany. METHODS We conducted a systematic, keyword-based app store screening to obtain evidence concerning the quantity and quality of commercially available apps. Apps that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated using the <i>app synopsis–checklist for users</i> and the German Mobile App Rating Scale for secure use, trustworthiness, and quality. RESULTS The investigation revealed serious shortcomings regarding legal and medical aspects. Furthermore, most apps turned out to be useless and unsuitable for the clinical field of application (4242/4249, 99.84%). Finally, 7 trustworthy and high-quality apps (7/4249, 0.16%) offering secure usage in the daily clinical routine of orthopedists were identified. These apps mainly focused on education (5/7). None of them were CE (Conformité Européenne) certified. Moreover, there are no studies providing evidence that these apps have any positive use whatsoever. CONCLUSIONS The data obtained in our study suggest that the number of trustworthy and high-quality apps on offer is extremely low. Nowadays, finding appropriate apps in the fast-moving, complex, dynamic, and rudimentarily controlled app stores is most challenging. Promising approaches, for example, systematic app store screenings, app-rating developments, reviews or app libraries, and the creation of consistent standards have been established. However, further efforts are necessary to ensure that these innovative mobile health apps not only provide the correct information but are also safe to use in daily clinical practice.

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Mobile Apps for Speech-Language Therapy in Adults With Communication Disorders: Review of Content and Quality

JMIR mhealth and uhealth ◽

10.2196/18858 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. e18858

Author(s):

Atiyeh Vaezipour ◽

Jessica Campbell ◽

Deborah Theodoros ◽

Trevor Russell

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Communication Disorders ◽

Mobile App ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Language Therapy ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

App Store ◽

Google Play

Background Worldwide, more than 75% of people with acquired brain injury (ABI) experience communication disorders. Communication disorders are impairments in the ability to communicate effectively, that is, sending, receiving, processing, and comprehending verbal and nonverbal concepts and symbols. Such disorders may have enduring impacts on employment, social participation, and quality of life. Technology-enabled interventions such as mobile apps have the potential to increase the reach of speech-language therapy to treat communication disorders. However, ensuring that apps are evidence-based and of high quality is critical for facilitating safe and effective treatment for adults with communication disorders. Objective The aim of this review is to identify mobile apps that are currently widely available to adults with communication disorders for speech-language therapy and to assess their content and quality using the validated Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Methods Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and webpages were searched to identify mobile apps for speech-language therapy. Apps were included in the review if they were designed for the treatment of adult communication disorders after ABI, were in English, and were either free or for purchase. Certified speech-language pathologists used the MARS to assess the quality of the apps. Results From a total of 2680 apps identified from Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and web searches, 2.61% (70/2680) apps met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. Overall, 61% (43/70) were available for download on the iPhone Operating System (iOS) platform, 20% (14/70) on the Android platform, and 19% (13/70) on both iOS and Android platforms. A content analysis of the apps revealed 43 apps for language, 17 apps for speech, 8 apps for cognitive communication, 6 apps for voice, and 5 apps for oromotor function or numeracy. The overall MARS mean score was 3.7 out of 5, SD 0.6, ranging between 2.1 and 4.5, with functionality being the highest-scored subscale (4.3, SD 0.6), followed by aesthetics (3.8, SD 0.8), information (3.4, SD 0.6), and engagement (3.3, SD 0.6). The top 5 apps were Naming Therapy (4.6/5), Speech Flipbook Standard (4.6/5), Number Therapy (4.5/5), Answering Therapy, and Constant Therapy (4.4/5). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically identify and evaluate a broad range of mobile apps for speech-language therapy for adults with communication disorders after sustaining ABI. We found a lack of interactive and engaging elements in the apps, a critical factor in sustaining self-managed speech-language therapy. More evidence-based apps with a focus on human factors, user experience, and a patient-led design approach are required to enhance effectiveness and long-term use.

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Digitale Sexualaufklärung: Verfügbarkeit und Evaluation mobiler deutschsprachiger Apps zur Förderung der sexuellen Gesundheit

Zeitschrift für Sexualforschung ◽

10.1055/a-1669-7626 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 34 (04) ◽

pp. 197-207

Author(s):

Marlene Muehlmann ◽

Anna Lienert ◽

Holger Muehlan ◽

Michael Stach ◽

Yannik Terhorst ◽

...

Keyword(s):

World Health Organization ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Rating Scale ◽

World Health ◽

App Store ◽

Health Organization ◽

Bundeszentrale Für Gesundheitliche Aufklärung ◽

Google Play

Zusammenfassung Einleitung Die Inhalte ganzheitlicher Sexualaufklärung können in Deutschland nur bedingt innerhalb des schulischen Kontexts vermittelt werden. Eine App zur sexuellen Gesundheit oder zu Themen der Sexualaufklärung könnte Jugendliche bei ihrer Informationssuche und Pädagog:innen in ihrem Lehrauftrag unterstützen. Forschungsziele Ziel dieser systematischen Übersichtsarbeit ist es, die Qualität und die Inhalte von deutschsprachigen mobilen digitalen Anwendungen zu untersuchen, die derzeit in Google Play sowie im App Store zur Unterstützung der Sexualaufklärung zur Verfügung stehen. Methoden Mithilfe eines Webcrawlers wurde in den beiden primären App-Stores recherchiert. Die Qualität der identifizierten Apps wurde mithilfe der deutschen Version der „Mobile Application Rating Scale“ (MARS-G) bewertet. Weiterhin wurde analysiert, inwieweit die Apps die Sexualaufklärung ganzheitlich gemäß der World Health Organization (WHO) und Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BzgA) unterstützen können. Ergebnisse Unter 7 318 gescreenten Apps erfüllten sechs Apps die gewählten Einschlusskriterien. Die Apps zur Sexualaufklärung weisen eine durchschnittliche Qualität von M = 3.54 (SD = 0.65, Min = 2.64, Max = 4.45) auf. Die App „Bill Sanders“ erzielte auf allen Subdimensionen der MARS-G zumindest akzeptable Werte. Für die App der Psychosozialen Aids-Beratungsstelle der Caritas München „Only Human“, die nahezu sämtliche Bereiche der Sexualaufklärung thematisiert, ergaben sich besonders positive Bewertungen. Schlussfolgerung Deutschsprachige Apps zur Sexualaufklärung weisen eine mittlere Güte auf. Anhand des Qualitätsratings wurde deutlich, dass prinzipiell geeignete Apps insbesondere in Funktionalität, Ästhetik und subjektiver Qualität Mängel aufweisen. Diese sollten zunächst behoben werden, um anschließend wissenschaftliche Evaluationen, die die Wirksamkeit der Apps untersuchen, im Feld durchzuführen. Bisher fehlen derartige Wirksamkeitsstudien, daher kann nur bedingt zum Einsatz dieser Apps geraten werden.

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Smartphone Apps for Diabetes Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.33264 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam ◽

Vinaytosh Mishra ◽

Muhammad Umer Siddiqui ◽

Jeban Chandir Moses ◽

Sasan Adibi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medication Adherence ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Mobile App ◽

Smartphone Apps ◽

High Quality ◽

Physiological Factors ◽

Diabetes Medication ◽

Glucose Levels ◽

Adherence To Medication

BACKGROUND Diabetes is one of the leading noncommunicable chronic diseases globally. Since there is no cure, blood glucose levels need to be monitored regularly and managed. In addition, patients must live a healthy lifestyle and use regular medication to maintain their health and wellbeing. However, various factors contribute to poor adherence to medication. OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically review and evaluate applications (apps) available for diabetes medication adherence, identify and analyze high-quality apps that are freely available to the public in the Android and Apple app stores, and present the technical features of the apps. METHODS Applying predefined selection criteria, we systematically searched the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for apps to assist in diabetes medication adherence. We assessed high-quality apps using the Mobile App Rating Scale. Apps that achieved a total mean quality score greater than 4 out of 5 in our study were considered high quality. RESULTS We selected eight apps for analysis in this study and discussed them in detail under three main categories: characteristics of the included apps, app features, and diabetes medication adherence. We formulated a task-technology fit matrix to evaluate the apps for diabetes medication adherence. On evaluation, we observed that 25% of the apps promoted high adherence and another 25% of the apps promoted moderate adherence. Finally, we found that 50% of the apps provided low adherence to diabetes medication. CONCLUSIONS Our framework to evaluate smartphone apps in promoting diabetes medication adherence considered physiological factors influencing diabetes and app features. Therefore, our findings could have positive implications for the design and development of apps for diabetes patients. Additionally, available apps can be evaluated according to our framework, and those promoting higher medication adherence could be prescribed for better health outcomes.

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Compassion apps for better mental health, a qualitative review. (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.14409 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Eva de Krijger ◽

Ernst T. Bohlmeijer ◽

Elbert Geuze ◽

Saskia M. Kelders

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Quality Criteria ◽

Mobile App ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Clear Definition ◽

Smartphone Apps ◽

Definition Of ◽

Mental Health Effects ◽

Google Play

BACKGROUND There is increasing empirical evidence for the positive mental health effects of compassion-based interventions. Although numerous smartphone apps offering compassion-based interventions (‘compassion apps’) are now available for the general public, these apps have not been reviewed on their quality before. OBJECTIVE The current study focuses on rating existing compassion apps on their quality. METHODS Existing compassion apps were identified through searches in the Google Play store and App store. The 19 included apps were rated on their overall quality using the Mobile App Rating Scale and on their consistency with current evidence by comparing them to existing and studied compassion-based interventions. RESULTS Eight apps were identified that met the criteria of being consistent with existing and studied compassion-based interventions, and acceptable to good overall quality, and 11 apps that fail to meet one or both of these criteria. CONCLUSIONS Good quality compassion apps are available but many of the available apps fail to meet certain quality criteria. It is recommended that future compassion apps are based on a clear definition of compassion, offer evidence- and theory based exercises and implement tools for increasing engagement.

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Analysis of Secure Apps for Daily Clinical Use by German Orthopedic Surgeons: Searching for the "Needle in a Haystack"

JMIR mhealth and uhealth ◽

10.2196/17085 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. e17085 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Florian Dittrich ◽

Sascha Beck ◽

Anna Katharina Harren ◽

Felix Reinecke ◽

Sebastian Serong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Mobile App ◽

High Quality ◽

Clinical Routine ◽

Health Apps ◽

App Store ◽

Orthopedic Surgeons ◽

Future Challenges ◽

Mobile Health Apps

Background It is undeniable that appropriate smartphone apps offer enormous opportunities for dealing with future challenges in orthopedic surgery and public health, in general. However, it is still unclear how the apps currently available in the two major app stores can be used in daily clinical routine by German orthopedic surgeons. Objective This study aimed to gain evidence regarding the quantity and quality of apps available in the two major app stores and their suitability for use by orthopedic surgeons in Germany. Methods We conducted a systematic, keyword-based app store screening to obtain evidence concerning the quantity and quality of commercially available apps. Apps that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated using the app synopsis–checklist for users and the German Mobile App Rating Scale for secure use, trustworthiness, and quality. Results The investigation revealed serious shortcomings regarding legal and medical aspects. Furthermore, most apps turned out to be useless and unsuitable for the clinical field of application (4242/4249, 99.84%). Finally, 7 trustworthy and high-quality apps (7/4249, 0.16%) offering secure usage in the daily clinical routine of orthopedists were identified. These apps mainly focused on education (5/7). None of them were CE (Conformité Européenne) certified. Moreover, there are no studies providing evidence that these apps have any positive use whatsoever. Conclusions The data obtained in our study suggest that the number of trustworthy and high-quality apps on offer is extremely low. Nowadays, finding appropriate apps in the fast-moving, complex, dynamic, and rudimentarily controlled app stores is most challenging. Promising approaches, for example, systematic app store screenings, app-rating developments, reviews or app libraries, and the creation of consistent standards have been established. However, further efforts are necessary to ensure that these innovative mobile health apps not only provide the correct information but are also safe to use in daily clinical practice.

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