scholarly journals Mobile Apps for Older Adults: Systematic Search and Evaluation Within Online Stores (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra A Portenhauser ◽  
Yannik Terhorst ◽  
Dana Schultchen ◽  
Lasse B Sander ◽  
Michael D Denkinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Star Rating ◽  
Online Stores

BACKGROUND Through the increasingly aging population, the health care system is confronted with various challenges such as expanding health care costs. To manage these challenges, mobile apps may represent a cost-effective and low-threshold approach to support older adults. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to evaluate the quality, characteristics, as well as privacy and security measures of mobile apps for older adults in the European commercial app stores. METHODS In the European Google Play and App Store, a web crawler systematically searched for mobile apps for older adults. The identified mobile apps were evaluated by two independent reviewers using the German version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale. A correlation between the user star rating and overall rating was calculated. An exploratory regression analysis was conducted to determine whether the obligation to pay fees predicted overall quality. RESULTS In total, 83 of 1217 identified mobile apps were included in the analysis. Generally, the mobile apps for older adults were of moderate quality (mean 3.22 [SD 0.68]). Four mobile apps (5%) were evidence-based; 49% (41/83) had no security measures. The user star rating correlated significantly positively with the overall rating (<i>r</i>=.30, <i>P</i>=.01). Obligation to pay fees could not predict overall quality. CONCLUSIONS There is an extensive quality range within mobile apps for older adults, indicating deficits in terms of information quality, data protection, and security precautions, as well as a lack of evidence-based approaches. Central databases are needed to identify high-quality mobile apps.

scholarly journals Mobile Apps for Older Adults: Systematic Search and Evaluation Within Online Stores

JMIR Aging ◽  
10.2196/23313 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e23313
Author(s):  
Alexandra A Portenhauser ◽  
Yannik Terhorst ◽  
Dana Schultchen ◽  
Lasse B Sander ◽  
Michael D Denkinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Star Rating ◽  
Online Stores

Background Through the increasingly aging population, the health care system is confronted with various challenges such as expanding health care costs. To manage these challenges, mobile apps may represent a cost-effective and low-threshold approach to support older adults. Objective This systematic review aimed to evaluate the quality, characteristics, as well as privacy and security measures of mobile apps for older adults in the European commercial app stores. Methods In the European Google Play and App Store, a web crawler systematically searched for mobile apps for older adults. The identified mobile apps were evaluated by two independent reviewers using the German version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale. A correlation between the user star rating and overall rating was calculated. An exploratory regression analysis was conducted to determine whether the obligation to pay fees predicted overall quality. Results In total, 83 of 1217 identified mobile apps were included in the analysis. Generally, the mobile apps for older adults were of moderate quality (mean 3.22 [SD 0.68]). Four mobile apps (5%) were evidence-based; 49% (41/83) had no security measures. The user star rating correlated significantly positively with the overall rating (r=.30, P=.01). Obligation to pay fees could not predict overall quality. Conclusions There is an extensive quality range within mobile apps for older adults, indicating deficits in terms of information quality, data protection, and security precautions, as well as a lack of evidence-based approaches. Central databases are needed to identify high-quality mobile apps.

Multipurpose Mobile Apps for Mental Health in Chinese App Stores: Content Analysis and Quality Evaluation (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoqian Wu ◽  
Lin Xu ◽  
PengFei Li ◽  
TingTing Tang ◽  
Cheng Huang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Mental Health Awareness ◽  
Privacy Measures

BACKGROUND Mental disorders impose varying degrees of burden on patients and their surroundings. However, people are reluctant to take the initiative to seek mental health services because of the uneven distribution of resources and stigmatization. Thus, mobile apps are considered an effective way to eliminate these obstacles and improve mental health awareness. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the quality, function, privacy measures, and evidence-based and professional background of multipurpose mental health apps in Chinese commercial app stores. METHODS A systematic search was conducted on iOS and Android platforms in China to identify multipurpose mental health apps. Two independent reviewers evaluated the identified mobile apps using Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Each app was downloaded, and the general characteristics, privacy and security measures, development background, and functional characteristics of each app were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 40 apps were analyzed, of which 35 apps (87.5%) were developed by companies and 33 apps (82.5%) provided links to access the privacy policy; 52.5% did not mention the involvement of relevant professionals or the guidance of scientific basis in the app development process. The main built-in functions of these apps include psychological education (38/40, 95%), self-assessment (34/40, 85%), and counseling (33/40, 83%). The overall quality average MARS score of the 40 apps was 3.53 (standard deviation 0.39), and the total score was between 2.96 and 4.30. The total score of MARS was significantly positively correlated with the scores of each subscale (r = 0.62–0.88; P <.001). However, the user score of the app market was not significantly correlated with the total score of MARS (r = 0.23; P =.19). CONCLUSIONS The quality of multipurpose mental health apps in China’s main app market is generally good and provides various functional combinations. However, health professionals are less involved in the development of these apps, and the privacy protection policy of the apps also needs to be described in more detail. This study provides a reference for the development of multipurpose mental health apps.

scholarly journals Quality of Physical Activity Apps: Systematic Search in App Stores and Content Analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Paganini ◽  
Yannik Terhorst ◽  
Lasse Bosse Sander ◽  
Selma Catic ◽  
Sümeyye Balci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
App Store ◽  
Quality Ratings

BACKGROUND Physical inactivity is a major contributor to the development and maintenance of chronic diseases. Mobile health apps (MHA) to foster physical activity have the potential to assist in behavior change. However, the quality of MHA available in the app stores is hard to assess for endusers and health care providers. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed at systematically reviewing and analyzing the content and quality of physical activity apps. Moreover, the privacy and security measures were assessed. METHODS A web crawler was used to systematically search for apps promoting physical activity in the Google Play and Apple App Store. Two independent raters used the German Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) to assess app quality. Furthermore, app characteristics, content and functions, privacy and security measures were assessed. Correlation between user star ratings and the MARS was calculated. Exploratory regression analysis was conducted to determine relevant predictors for overall quality. RESULTS 312 of 2,231 identified apps met inclusion criteria. Results indicate that overall quality was moderate (M = 3.60, SD = 0.59, range = 1-4.75). The scores of the subscales were: information (M = 3.24, SD = 0.56, range = 1.17-4.4), engagement (M = 3.19, SD = 0.82, range = 1.2- 5), aesthetics (M = 3.65, SD = 0.79, range = 1- 5), and functionality (M = 4.35, SD = 0.58, range = 1.88- 5). For none of the included apps an efficacy study could be identified. Data and privacy features were mainly not applied. Average user ratings showed significant small correlations with the MARS rating (r =.22; 95% CI: 0.08-0.35; P < .001). The number of content and function was predictive for overall quality, whereas app store and price were not. CONCLUSIONS There is an extensive quality range within apps for physical activity with moderate overall quality ratings. Given the present privacy, security, and evidence concerns inherent to most rated apps, their medical use is questionable. There is a need for open-source databases of expert quality ratings to foster informed health care decisions in users and health care providers. CLINICALTRIAL

日本における抑うつ症状に対する心理学的介入を目的とした スマートフォン用アプリケーション・プログラムのレビュー

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hikari Takashina ◽  
Kengo Yokomitsu
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Current State

There are thousands of mobile apps delivering information and offering support and intervention in situations of daily life. The aim of this study was to identify the current state of apps for depressive symptoms or prevention of depression within the official Android and iOS app stores in Japan. The 47 apps for depression available for download from the app stores were evaluated by the App Evaluation Model regarding background information, risk/ privacy and security, evidence, ease of use, and interoperability. Also, we evaluated their primary purpose, technology components, and cognitive-behavioral therapy components. The results suggest that in general few apps have been developed that are evidence-based, secure, and provide the services that users expect. In the future, it will be necessary to develop a framework for developing and disseminating more effective apps. This study is the first review of apps for depression available in Japan and seeks to help create a framework for such apps.

scholarly journals Community readiness assessment for disseminating evidence-based physical activity programs to older adults in Changsha, China: a case for Enhance®Fitness

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-67
Author(s):  
Minhui Liu ◽  
Xi Zhang ◽  
Jinnan Xiao ◽  
Feng Ge ◽  
Siyuan Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Community Readiness ◽  
Readiness Assessment ◽  
Community Knowledge ◽  
Indoor Space ◽  
Stage Of Readiness ◽  
Community Climate

Physical activity (PA) has declined in China due to urbanization in the past two decades. Evidence-based programs are good approaches to promote PA, but are limited in China. Adopting existing programs can be a viable option. Prior to that, readiness assessment is needed. This study aimed to assess community readiness levels for disseminating evidence-based PA programs to older adults in Changsha, China. In-person interviews were conducted with 33 participants of five districts in Changsha to assess the community readiness level in five dimensions: community knowledge of efforts, community climate, community knowledge about the issue, leadership and resources. Data was transcribed, reviewed and compared with an anchored rating scale to provide a stage of readiness score ranging from 1 (no awareness) to 9 (high level of community ownership). Participants included 14 community staff, 13 older adults, four community leaders and three health professionals. The top three barriers to disseminating PA programs were lack of appropriate locations, funding and instructors. The top three resources were availability of indoor space, chairs and loudspeakers. Community leadership was the highest-rated readiness dimension (3.3 out of 9) followed by community climate (3.2), community knowledge of efforts (3.1) and resources (2.8); knowledge about the issue scored the lowest (2.7). The overall community stage readiness score of Changsha was 3.0 out of 9. The stage of readiness for communities in Changsha, China is ‘vague awareness’. Developing strategies to improve community readiness levels may increase evidence-based PA program dissemination in Changsha, China.

scholarly journals Mobile Mental Health Apps in China: Systematic App Store Search (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huifang Yin ◽  
Klaas J Wardenaar ◽  
Yuhao Wang ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
Wenjin Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Main Technique ◽  
Stress Relieving ◽  
Mobile Mental Health

BACKGROUND Smartphones have become ubiquitous in China, offering a promising way to deliver mental health interventions; however, little is known about the current use and characteristics of smartphone apps for mental health. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to gain insight into mobile mental health apps available in China as of December 2018. METHODS A systematic search was conducted to identify and evaluate the most downloaded apps from iOS and Android platforms. Apps were categorized according to their main purpose and downloaded to evaluate their content. Each app’s affiliation, cost, target users, information security, and evidence-based nature were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 172 unique apps that were identified, there were 37 apps (21.5%) for psychological counseling, 50 apps (29.1%) for assessment, 12 apps (7.0%) to relieve stress, 24 apps (14.0%) for psychoeducation, and 49 (28.4%) multipurpose apps (ie, a combination of counseling and assessment). Most apps were developed for adults in the general population (166/172, 96.5%), rather than for psychiatric patients. App-based counseling was mostly provided by psychologists, and of the assessed apps, only 40% (70/172) used evidence-based scales to assess mental health problems such as anxiety or depressed mood. Guided meditation was used as the main technique in stress-relieving apps. CONCLUSIONS Many apps contained useful and evidence-based elements, such as good quality information, validated measurements, and useful meditation methods; however, for mobile apps to contribute significantly to mental health care in China, considerable challenges remain, including the need for more patient-focused apps that can actually take on the role of a health care provider. In addition, efficacy studies are needed.

scholarly journals Comparison of Mobile Health Technology Use for Self-Tracking Between Older Adults and the General Adult Population in Canada: Cross-Sectional Survey

10.2196/24718 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e24718
Author(s):  
Mirou Jaana ◽  
Guy Paré
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Adult Population

Background The burden of population aging and chronic conditions has been reported worldwide. Older adults, especially those with high needs, experience social isolation and have high rates of emergency visits and limited satisfaction with the care they receive. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies present opportunities to address these challenges. To date, limited information is available on Canadian older adults’ attitudes toward and use of mHealth technologies for self-tracking purposes—an area that is increasingly important and relevant during the COVID-19 era. Objective This study presents contributions to an underresearched area on older adults and mHealth technology use. The aim of this study was to compare older adults’ use of mHealth technologies to that of the general adult population in Canada and to investigate the factors that affect their use. Methods A cross-sectional survey on mHealth and digital self-tracking was conducted. A web-based questionnaire was administered to a national sample of 4109 Canadian residents who spoke either English or French. The survey instrument consisted of 3 sections assessing the following items: (1) demographic characteristics, health status, and comorbidities; (2) familiarity with and use of mHealth technologies (ie, mobile apps, consumer smart devices/wearables such as vital signs monitors, bathroom scales, fitness trackers, intelligent clothing); and (3) factors influencing the continued use of mHealth technologies. Results Significant differences were observed between the older adults and the general adult population in the use of smart technologies and internet (P<.001). Approximately 47.4% (323/682) of the older adults in the community reported using smartphones and 49.8% (340/682) indicated using digital tablets. Only 19.6% (91/463) of the older adults using smartphones/digital tablets reported downloading mobile apps, and 12.3% (47/383) of the older adults who heard of smart devices/wearables indicated using them. The majority of the mobile apps downloaded by older adults was health-related; interestingly, their use was sustained over a longer period of time (P=.007) by the older adults compared to that by the general population. Approximately 62.7% (428/682) of the older adults reported tracking their health measures, but the majority did so manually. Older adults with one or more chronic conditions were mostly nontrackers (odds ratio 0.439 and 0.431 for traditional trackers and digital trackers, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the older adults and the general adult population with regard to satisfaction with mHealth technologies and their intention to continue using them. Conclusions Leveraging mHealth technologies in partnership with health care providers and sharing of health/well-being data with health care professionals and family members remain very limited. A culture shift in the provision of care to older adults is deemed necessary to keep up with the development of mHealth technologies and the changing demographics and expectations of patients and their caregivers.

scholarly journals Evidence-Based Integrative Health Care to Promote Quality of Life in Older Adults With Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 609-610
Author(s):  
Robin Majeski ◽  
Delia Chiaramonte
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Integrative Health

Abstract Cancer disproportionately affects older adults and presents significant challenges to patients’ quality of life. Use of complementary medicine is increasing among older adults with cancer and these modalities have the potential for both benefit and harm. Thus, it is important that health care professionals are knowledgeable about the evidence-supported benefits and risks of complementary and integrative health approaches in the care of older adults with cancer. Integrative cancer care provides a comprehensive approach to reducing symptom burden in patients suffering with cancer symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment. Symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, sleep disturbance, mood disorder, perceived stress, and reduced quality of life are common in this population.This session will discuss an evidence-based integrative approach to cancer care which incorporates both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities to decrease symptom burden, enhance patient well-being, and improve quality of life. Non-pharmacologic modalities used in the integrative approach to care will be described and relevant evidence for risks, benefits and indications will be presented. Case studies will be discussed to demonstrate the integration of these techniques into conventional western medical treatment plans for older adults with cancer. Diversity and inclusion issues relevant to integrative medicine for underserved cancer patients will be addressed, as well as recommendations for future research to expand access of underserved populations to evidence-supported integrative cancer care. A resource list will be provided to participants.

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

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.

scholarly journals Mobile Mental Health Apps in China: Systematic App Store Search

10.2196/14915 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. e14915
Author(s):  
Huifang Yin ◽  
Klaas J Wardenaar ◽  
Yuhao Wang ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
Wenjin Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Main Technique ◽  
Stress Relieving ◽  
Mobile Mental Health

Background Smartphones have become ubiquitous in China, offering a promising way to deliver mental health interventions; however, little is known about the current use and characteristics of smartphone apps for mental health. Objective The purpose of this study was to gain insight into mobile mental health apps available in China as of December 2018. Methods A systematic search was conducted to identify and evaluate the most downloaded apps from iOS and Android platforms. Apps were categorized according to their main purpose and downloaded to evaluate their content. Each app’s affiliation, cost, target users, information security, and evidence-based nature were evaluated. Results Of the 172 unique apps that were identified, there were 37 apps (21.5%) for psychological counseling, 50 apps (29.1%) for assessment, 12 apps (7.0%) to relieve stress, 24 apps (14.0%) for psychoeducation, and 49 (28.4%) multipurpose apps (ie, a combination of counseling and assessment). Most apps were developed for adults in the general population (166/172, 96.5%), rather than for psychiatric patients. App-based counseling was mostly provided by psychologists, and of the assessed apps, only 40% (70/172) used evidence-based scales to assess mental health problems such as anxiety or depressed mood. Guided meditation was used as the main technique in stress-relieving apps. Conclusions Many apps contained useful and evidence-based elements, such as good quality information, validated measurements, and useful meditation methods; however, for mobile apps to contribute significantly to mental health care in China, considerable challenges remain, including the need for more patient-focused apps that can actually take on the role of a health care provider. In addition, efficacy studies are needed.

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