scholarly journals Mobile Phone Apps for Food Allergies or Intolerances in App Stores: Systematic Search and Quality Assessment Using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Floriana Mandracchia ◽  
Elisabet Llauradó ◽  
Lucia Tarro ◽  
Rosa Maria Valls ◽  
Rosa Solà
Keyword(s):  
Food Allergy ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Critical Points ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Objective Quality ◽  
Specific Section

BACKGROUND Food allergies and intolerances are increasing worldwide, and mobile phone apps could be a promising tool for self-management of these issues. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to systemically search and assess food allergy or intolerance apps in app stores using the multidimensional Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) to rate the objective and subjective quality and to identify critical points for future improvements. METHODS This systematic search identified apps through the keywords “food allergy,” “food intolerance,” and “allergens” in English, Spanish, and Italian in the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). The inclusion criteria were a user star rating of ≥3 (of 5 stars) to limit the selection to the most highly rated apps; ≥1000 reviews as an indicator of reliability; and the most recent update performed up to 2017. Then, the apps were divided according to their purpose (searching for allergen-free “food products,” “restaurants,” or recipes in “meal planners”) and evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 points using the MARS in terms of (1) app classification category with a descriptive aim; (2) app subjective and objective quality categories comprised of engagement, functionality, esthetics, and information sections (Medline was searched for eligible apps to check whether they had been tested in trials); and (3) an optional app-specific section. Furthermore, the output and input features were evaluated. Differences between MARS sections and between app purposes and correlations among MARS sections, star ratings, and numbers of reviews were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 1376 apps identified, 14 were included: 12 related to food allergies and intolerances that detect 2-16 food allergens and 2 related only to gluten intolerance. The mean (SD) MARS scores (maximum 5 points) were 3.8 (SD 0.4) for objective quality, highlighting whether any app had been tested in trials; 3.5 (SD 0.6) for subjective quality; and 3.6 (SD 0.7) for the app-specific section. Therefore, a rating ≥3 points indicated overall acceptable quality. From the between-section comparison, engagement (mean 3.5, SD 0.6) obtained significantly lower scores than functionality (mean 4.1, SD 0.6), esthetics (mean 4, SD 0.5), and information (mean 3.8, SD 0.4). However, when the apps were compared by purpose, critical points were identified: meal planner apps showed significantly higher engagement (mean 4.1, SD 0.4) than food product (mean 3.0, SD 0.6; <i>P</i>=.05) and restaurant (mean 3.2, SD 0.3; <i>P</i>=.02) apps. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic search of food allergy or intolerance apps, acceptable MARS quality was identified, although the engagement section for food product and restaurant purpose apps should be improved and the included apps should be tested in trials. The critical points identified in this systematic search can help improve the innovativeness and applicability of future food allergy and intolerance apps.

scholarly journals Mobile Phone Apps for Food Allergies or Intolerances in App Stores: Systematic Search and Quality Assessment Using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS)

10.2196/18339 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e18339
Author(s):  
Floriana Mandracchia ◽  
Elisabet Llauradó ◽  
Lucia Tarro ◽  
Rosa Maria Valls ◽  
Rosa Solà
Keyword(s):  
Food Allergy ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Critical Points ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Objective Quality ◽  
Specific Section

Background Food allergies and intolerances are increasing worldwide, and mobile phone apps could be a promising tool for self-management of these issues. Objective This study aimed to systemically search and assess food allergy or intolerance apps in app stores using the multidimensional Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) to rate the objective and subjective quality and to identify critical points for future improvements. Methods This systematic search identified apps through the keywords “food allergy,” “food intolerance,” and “allergens” in English, Spanish, and Italian in the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). The inclusion criteria were a user star rating of ≥3 (of 5 stars) to limit the selection to the most highly rated apps; ≥1000 reviews as an indicator of reliability; and the most recent update performed up to 2017. Then, the apps were divided according to their purpose (searching for allergen-free “food products,” “restaurants,” or recipes in “meal planners”) and evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 points using the MARS in terms of (1) app classification category with a descriptive aim; (2) app subjective and objective quality categories comprised of engagement, functionality, esthetics, and information sections (Medline was searched for eligible apps to check whether they had been tested in trials); and (3) an optional app-specific section. Furthermore, the output and input features were evaluated. Differences between MARS sections and between app purposes and correlations among MARS sections, star ratings, and numbers of reviews were evaluated. Results Of the 1376 apps identified, 14 were included: 12 related to food allergies and intolerances that detect 2-16 food allergens and 2 related only to gluten intolerance. The mean (SD) MARS scores (maximum 5 points) were 3.8 (SD 0.4) for objective quality, highlighting whether any app had been tested in trials; 3.5 (SD 0.6) for subjective quality; and 3.6 (SD 0.7) for the app-specific section. Therefore, a rating ≥3 points indicated overall acceptable quality. From the between-section comparison, engagement (mean 3.5, SD 0.6) obtained significantly lower scores than functionality (mean 4.1, SD 0.6), esthetics (mean 4, SD 0.5), and information (mean 3.8, SD 0.4). However, when the apps were compared by purpose, critical points were identified: meal planner apps showed significantly higher engagement (mean 4.1, SD 0.4) than food product (mean 3.0, SD 0.6; P=.05) and restaurant (mean 3.2, SD 0.3; P=.02) apps. Conclusions In this systematic search of food allergy or intolerance apps, acceptable MARS quality was identified, although the engagement section for food product and restaurant purpose apps should be improved and the included apps should be tested in trials. The critical points identified in this systematic search can help improve the innovativeness and applicability of future food allergy and intolerance apps.

scholarly journals Measuring the Quality of Clinical Skills Mobile Apps for Student Learning: Systematic Search, Analysis, and Comparison of Two Measurement Scales (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tehmina Gladman ◽  
Grace Tylee ◽  
Steve Gallagher ◽  
Jonathan Mair ◽  
Rebecca Grainger
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
High Quality

BACKGROUND Mobile apps are widely used in health professions, which increases the need for simple methods to determine the quality of apps. In particular, teachers need the ability to curate high-quality mobile apps for student learning. OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically search for and evaluate the quality of clinical skills mobile apps as learning tools. The quality of apps meeting the specified criteria was evaluated using two measures—the widely used Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), which measures general app quality, and the Mobile App Rubric for Learning (MARuL), a recently developed instrument that measures the value of apps for student learning—to assess whether MARuL is more effective than MARS in identifying high-quality apps for learning. METHODS Two mobile app stores were systematically searched using clinical skills terms commonly found in medical education and apps meeting the criteria identified using an approach based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 9 apps were identified during the screening process. The apps were rated independently by 2 reviewers using MARS and MARuL. RESULTS The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the 2 raters using MARS and MARuL were the same (MARS ICC [two-way]=0.68; <i>P</i>&lt;.001 and MARuL ICC [two-way]=0.68; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Of the 9 apps, Geeky Medics-OSCE revision (MARS Android=3.74; MARS iOS=3.68; MARuL Android=75; and MARuL iOS=73) and OSCE PASS: Medical Revision (MARS Android=3.79; MARS iOS=3.71; MARuL Android=69; and MARuL iOS=73) scored highly on both measures of app quality and for both Android and iOS. Both measures also showed agreement for the lowest rated app, Patient Education Institute (MARS Android=2.21; MARS iOS=2.11; MARuL Android=18; and MARuL iOS=21.5), which had the lowest scores in all categories except information (MARS) and professional (MARuL) in both operating systems. MARS and MARuL were both able to differentiate between the highest and lowest quality apps; however, MARuL was better able to differentiate apps based on teaching and learning quality. CONCLUSIONS This systematic search and rating of clinical skills apps for learning found that the quality of apps was highly variable. However, 2 apps—Geeky Medics-OSCE revision and OSCE PASS: Medical Revision—rated highly for both versions and with both quality measures. MARS and MARuL showed similar abilities to differentiate the quality of the 9 apps. However, MARuL’s incorporation of teaching and learning elements as part of a multidimensional measure of quality may make it more appropriate for use with apps focused on teaching and learning, whereas MARS’s more general rating of quality may be more appropriate for health apps targeting a general health audience. Ratings of the 9 apps by both measures also highlighted the variable quality of clinical skills mobile apps for learning. CLINICALTRIAL

Assessing Quality Factors and User Preference of Drug Reference Apps in Taiwan: Systematic Search and Evaluation (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Chun Chen ◽  
Wei-Wei Liao ◽  
Mei-Chin Su ◽  
Yen-Hsi Lin
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Drug Information ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Visual Appeal ◽  
User Ratings ◽  
Drug Reference

BACKGROUND Drug reference apps play various distinct and vital roles through the medication use process. A drug reference app that carried out comprehensive localized drug information would greatly improve the efficiency and quality of work for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and patients. OBJECTIVE This current study aimed to describe a systematic and stepwise process to identify drug reference apps with localized drug information in Taiwan. Moreover, we assessed the quality of these apps by using a reliable quality assessment tool and further analyzing the influential factors for user ratings. METHODS A two-step algorithm (KESS) consisting of keyword growing and systematic search was proposed. Apps were divided into two groups: higher user ratings and lower user ratings. Seven independent reviewers were trained to evaluate these apps using Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). A logistic regression model was fitted, and average marginal effects (AME) were calculated to identify the effects of factors for higher user ratings. A p-value< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 23 drug reference apps in Taiwan had been identified and analyzed. Ten apps had higher user star ratings (>=4 stars), and 13 apps had lower user star ratings ( < 4 stars). These drug reference apps had acceptable quality with an average MARS score of 3.23. Apps with higher user star ratings had higher MARS scores than the lowers (engagement (2.70 v.s. 2.50, P= .005), functionality (3.85 v.s. 3.49, P= .003), aesthetics (3.39 v.s. 2.98, P < .001), and information (3.55 v.s. 3.25, P= .005)). The regression model showed five influential factors for higher user ratings (navigation, AME, 13.15%; performance, AME, 11.03%; visual appeal, AME, 10.87%; credibility, AME, 10.67%; quantity of information, AME, 10.42%). CONCLUSIONS The proposed KESS algorithm could be a valuable and unbiased framework for systematic search for app. While the higher engagement, more functionality, better aesthetics, and more information associated with higher user ratings, there are five most influential factors, navigation, performance, visual appeal, credibility, and quantity of information among the four elements.

Preliminary assessment of content, behavior change techniques, and quality of pregnancy apps in Spain: Systematic search on app stores (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aranzazu Muñoz-Mancisidor ◽  
Ruben Martin-Payo ◽  
Xana Gonzalez-Mendez ◽  
María Del Mar Fernández-Álvarez
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Subjective Quality ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
Objective Quality ◽  
Behavior Strategies

BACKGROUND Women consult information in mobile apps (apps) during pregnancy, and even obstetrics specialists highlight that pregnancy is the ideal moment for the use of apps as consultation sources. However, the high number of apps designed for pregnancy requires a careful assessment to determine their suitability before recommendation. OBJECTIVE To identify the apps available in Spanish that can be recommended based on their content, behavior change techniques (BCTs), and quality as a complementary tool during pregnancy. METHODS A systematic search on app stores to identify apps was performed in the Apple App Store and Google Play, and the subject term pregnancy. The apps meeting the following criteria were chosen: i. pregnancy-related content; ii. free; iii. available in Spanish. They were excluded if: i. the app was classified as game/entertainment, and therefore had no educational or health aim; iii. they did not target the population under study. The selected apps were downloaded, and their quality was assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), the BCTs included using the taxonomy Behavior Change Techniques Taxonomy v.1 and its content. RESULTS A total of 457 apps were identified, 25 of which were downloaded for assessment (5.6%). The median for objective and subjective quality was 2.94 (IR=2,71-3.46) and 1.75 (IR=1.25-2.25) respectively. Regarding content, the median of topics included in the apps was 23 (IR=16050-23.50) being weight gain, nutrition, fetal development and physical activity the most common. The median number of BCTs was 12 (RI=0.50-3.50). Statistically significant correlations were observed between objective quality and content (0.634), subjective quality and content (0.641), objective quality and BCTs (0.672), subjective quality and BCT (0.623), and BCTs and content (0.563). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that only a small percentage of free pregnancy apps available in Spanish should be recommended. The apps with the best quality score were those where a higher number of topics were addressed and included a larger quantity of BCT. While apps can potentially influence pregnant women’s behavior and contribute to pregnancy, a previous assessment of their content, quality, and behavior strategies is necessary in order to determine which apps could potentially be beneficial, and therefore, can be recommended.

scholarly journals Personalized and Self-Management: Systematic Search and Evaluation Quality Factors and User Preference of Drug Reference Apps in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 790
Author(s):  
Yu-Chun Chen ◽  
Wei-Wei Liao ◽  
Mei-Chin Su ◽  
Yen-Hsi Lin
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
User Preference ◽  
Self Management ◽  
User Ratings ◽  
Drug Reference

Background: Drug reference apps promote self-management and improve the efficiency and quality of work for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and patients. This study aimed to describe a systematic and stepwise process to identify drug reference apps in Taiwan, assess the quality of these apps, and analyze the influential factors for user ratings. Methods: A two-step algorithm (KESS) consisting of keyword growing and systematic search was proposed. Seven independent reviewers were trained to evaluate these apps using Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). A logistic regression model was fitted and average marginal effects (AME) were calculated to identify the effects of factors for higher user ratings. Results: A total of 23 drug reference apps in Taiwan were identified and analyzed. Generally, these drug reference apps were evaluated as acceptable quality with an average MARS score of 3.23. Higher user engagement, more functionality, better aesthetics, and more information associated with higher user ratings. Navigation is the most influential factor on higher user ratings (AME: 13.15%) followed by performance (AME: 11.03%), visual appeal (AME: 10.87%), credibility (AME: 10.67%), and quantity of information (AME: 10.42%). Conclusions: User experience and information clearly affect user ratings of drug reference apps. Five key factors should be considered when designing drug reference apps.

scholarly journals Food Allergy Consumption According to Halalan Tayyiban Perspective: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 955-969
Author(s):  
Mohd Hasli Ramli
Keyword(s):  
Food Allergy ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Food Quality ◽  
Quality Management System ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
The Body ◽  
Food Allergies

Food allergies are the effects of a detrimental reaction from the body's immuntive system on certain types of food that are considered harmful to the body. Food allergies are also considered a critical issue in food safety and food quality management systems. In fact, the issue of food allergy consumption is also discussed from the aspects of medical and food industry to prevent any risk of consuming food that is harmful to consumers. Generally, the implementation of the concept of ‘halalan tayyibban’ only focuses on the study of raw materials, food processing activities and storage of final ingredients from illegal, clean and safe to be eaten elements. However, this aspect of food allergy intake is not discussed comprehensively based on the perspective of ‘Halalan Tayyiban’. Therefore, this article uses a qualitative approach through document analysis to describe the importance of consuming allergic foods according to the perspective of ‘halalan tayyiban’ in-depth. In addition, the aspects of food allergy control and management through food quality management system are also discussed. This study also suggests that the assessment of risk analysis and food allergy management be discussed in more depth according to the Islamic perspective based on the sources of the Quran and hadith. Hence, this study will have a positive impact on improving the halal auditing process and strengthening the integrity of food product status in line with the concept of ‘halalan tayyiban.’

scholarly journals Measuring the Quality of Clinical Skills Mobile Apps for Student Learning: Systematic Search, Analysis, and Comparison of Two Measurement Scales

10.2196/25377 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e25377
Author(s):  
Tehmina Gladman ◽  
Grace Tylee ◽  
Steve Gallagher ◽  
Jonathan Mair ◽  
Rebecca Grainger
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
High Quality

Background Mobile apps are widely used in health professions, which increases the need for simple methods to determine the quality of apps. In particular, teachers need the ability to curate high-quality mobile apps for student learning. Objective This study aims to systematically search for and evaluate the quality of clinical skills mobile apps as learning tools. The quality of apps meeting the specified criteria was evaluated using two measures—the widely used Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), which measures general app quality, and the Mobile App Rubric for Learning (MARuL), a recently developed instrument that measures the value of apps for student learning—to assess whether MARuL is more effective than MARS in identifying high-quality apps for learning. Methods Two mobile app stores were systematically searched using clinical skills terms commonly found in medical education and apps meeting the criteria identified using an approach based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 9 apps were identified during the screening process. The apps were rated independently by 2 reviewers using MARS and MARuL. Results The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the 2 raters using MARS and MARuL were the same (MARS ICC [two-way]=0.68; P<.001 and MARuL ICC [two-way]=0.68; P<.001). Of the 9 apps, Geeky Medics-OSCE revision (MARS Android=3.74; MARS iOS=3.68; MARuL Android=75; and MARuL iOS=73) and OSCE PASS: Medical Revision (MARS Android=3.79; MARS iOS=3.71; MARuL Android=69; and MARuL iOS=73) scored highly on both measures of app quality and for both Android and iOS. Both measures also showed agreement for the lowest rated app, Patient Education Institute (MARS Android=2.21; MARS iOS=2.11; MARuL Android=18; and MARuL iOS=21.5), which had the lowest scores in all categories except information (MARS) and professional (MARuL) in both operating systems. MARS and MARuL were both able to differentiate between the highest and lowest quality apps; however, MARuL was better able to differentiate apps based on teaching and learning quality. Conclusions This systematic search and rating of clinical skills apps for learning found that the quality of apps was highly variable. However, 2 apps—Geeky Medics-OSCE revision and OSCE PASS: Medical Revision—rated highly for both versions and with both quality measures. MARS and MARuL showed similar abilities to differentiate the quality of the 9 apps. However, MARuL’s incorporation of teaching and learning elements as part of a multidimensional measure of quality may make it more appropriate for use with apps focused on teaching and learning, whereas MARS’s more general rating of quality may be more appropriate for health apps targeting a general health audience. Ratings of the 9 apps by both measures also highlighted the variable quality of clinical skills mobile apps for learning.

scholarly journals The Characteristics and Quality of Mobile Phone Apps Targeted at Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: A Window of Opportunity for Health Information Dissemination? (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoli Yang ◽  
Jian Long ◽  
Dan Luo ◽  
Shuiyuan Xiao ◽  
Atipatsa Chiwanda Kaminga
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Android Market ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND A number of mobile phone apps has been developed specifically for men who have sex with men (MSM). We will call these mobile phone apps MSM apps for simplicity. At present, the characteristics and quality and purpose of these MSM apps are unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to objectively and comprehensively evaluate the characteristics and quality of the MSM apps to assess whether they disseminated health information among the MSM in China. METHODS We searched 2 dominant mobile phone app stores (Apple Store and Android Market) to obtain MSM apps using the keywords MSM, gay, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), 男同，同志，男男性接触者，同性恋，基友, and 双性恋. Apps were excluded if they did not have a Chinese language interface or if their target population was not MSM. Basic information about the eligible apps for this study, such as app name, app store category, and date of last update was gathered from the specified app stores. The quality of apps was rated by 2 independent raters using Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between raters was computed as a measure for interrater reliability of the MARS. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS Inc). RESULTS A total of 575 apps were reviewed between September 15, 2018 and September 30, 2018, out of which, 532 apps were excluded. Finally, 43 apps were included. Of the 43 apps, 16 were from the Apple Store, 10 were from Android Market, and 17 were available in both app stores. In addition, 39 out of 43 apps were for social and sexual networking, whereas 10 contained sexual health information, for example, HIV/sexually transmitted diseases knowledge, HIV test, and condom use. The average rating was 4 stars. The number of downloads for 21 apps exceeded 10,000. A total of 31 apps had acceptable quality (as defined by a MARS score of >3), with functionality as the highest scoring domain, followed by information quality, esthetics, and engagement. Interrater reliability was excellent for the overall mean app quality scores (ICC=.946; 95% CI 0.904-0.970) and the subjective quality scores (ICC=.910; 95% CI 0.841-0.950). CONCLUSIONS By reviewing the available apps, we found that MSM apps are popular. The majority of MSM apps are for dating, whereas few of them contain HIV prevention and health information. The overall quality of the apps is acceptable. The utilization of mobile phone technologies is a promising way for delivering HIV prevention messages to MSM. We recommend that researchers and app developers should work together to disseminate health information for MSM via mobile technologies.

The quality and potential of Apps to promote behaviour change in patients with a chronic condition or multimorbidity: A systematic search in App Store and Google Play (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Bricca ◽  
Alessandro Pellegrini ◽  
Graziella Zangger ◽  
Jonas Ahler J ◽  
Madalina Jäger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
App Store ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Mobile applications (Apps) offer an opportunity to improve the lifestyle of patients with chronic conditions or multimorbidity. However, for Apps to be recommended in clinical practice, their quality and potential for behaviour change are important. OBJECTIVE To investigate the quality and potential for behaviour change of health Apps for patients with a chronic condition or multimorbidity (defined as two or more chronic conditions). METHODS We followed the Cochrane Handbook guidelines to conduct and report this study. A systematic search of Apps available in English or Danish on App Store and Google Play for patients with one or more of the following common and disabling conditions: osteoarthritis, heart condition (heart failure and ischaemic heart disease), hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was conducted. The search strategy combined keywords related to these conditions. One author screened the title and content of the identified apps. Subsequently, three authors independently downloaded the Apps in a smartphone and assessed the quality of the Apps and their potential for behaviour change using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-21 items, score ranging 0-5, higher is better) and the App Behavior Change Scale (ABACUS-21 items, score ranging 0-21, higher is better), respectively. We included the five highest-rated and the five most downloaded apps but only assessed the quality and potential for behaviour change of the free content. RESULTS We screened 453 Apps and ultimately included 60. Most of the Apps were available in both the App Store and Google Play (58%). The overall average quality of the Apps was 3.48 (SD 0.28) on the MARS scale, and the overall potential for behaviour change was 8.07 (SD 2.30) on the ABACUS scale. Apps for depression and patients with multimorbidity tended to have higher overall MARS and ABACUS scores, respectively. The most common self-monitoring features presented in the Apps in support of behaviour change were physiological (e.g., blood pressure monitoring) in 64% of the Apps, weight/diet, or physical activity in 41% and 36%, respectively, and stress management in 37%. Only 14% of the Apps were completely free, while 86% had in-app-purchase for some content. CONCLUSIONS Apps for patients with a chronic condition or multimorbidity appear to be of acceptable quality but have a low-to-moderate potential for behaviour change. Our results provide a useful overview for patients and clinicians who would like to use Apps for managing chronic conditions and suggest the need to improve the Apps in terms of quality and potential for behaviour change. CLINICALTRIAL https://osf.io/nvhuy/

scholarly journals Measuring the Quality of Mobile Apps for the Management of Pain: Systematic Search and Evaluation Using the Mobile App Rating Scale

10.2196/10718 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. e10718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Salazar ◽  
Helena de Sola ◽  
Inmaculada Failde ◽  
Jose Antonio Moral-Munoz
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search
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