scholarly journals A review and content analysis of apps for hematological diseases using Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Álvaro Narrillos-Moraza ◽  
Patricia Gómez-Martínez-Sagrera ◽  
Miguel Ángel Amor-García ◽  
Vicente Escudero-Vilaplana ◽  
Roberto Collado-Borrell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hematological Diseases ◽  
Hematological Patients ◽  
Blood Disorder ◽  
Hematological Tumor

BACKGROUND Hematological diseases are prevalent disorders associated with significant comorbidities and have a major impact on patient care. Concerning new tools for the care of these patients, the number of health apps aimed at hematological patients is growing. Currently, there are not quality analyses or classifications of apps for patients diagnosed with hematological diseases. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to analyze the characteristics and quality of apps designed for patients diagnosed with hematological diseases using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). METHODS We performed an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study of all smartphone apps destined for patients diagnosed with hematological diseases. A search was conducted in March 2021, using the following terms: “anemia”, “blood cancer”, “blood disorder”, “hematological cancer”, “hematological malignancy”, “hematological tumor”, “hematology”, “hemophilia”, “hemorrhage”, “lymphoma”, “leukemia”, “multiple myeloma”, “thalassemia”, “thrombocytopenia”, and “thrombosis”. The apps identified were downloaded and evaluated by 2 independent researchers. General characteristics were registered and quality was analyzed using the MARS score. Interrater reliability was measured by using Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ). RESULTS We identified 2.100 apps in the initial search, and 88 apps met the criteria and were analyzed. Of these, 54 (61.36%) were available on Android, 26 (29.55%) on iOS, and 8 (9.09%) on both platforms. 6 apps (6.82%) required payment and 43 apps (48.86%) were updated in the last year. Only 23 apps (26.13%) were developed with the participation of health professionals. The apps were mainly informative (60; 68.18%), followed by preventive (23; 26.13%), and diagnostic (5; 5.68%). Most of the apps were intended for patients with anemia (23; 26.14%). The mean MARS score for the overall quality of the 88 apps was 3.03 (SD 1.14), ranging from 1.19 (lowest rated app) to 4.86 (highest rated app). Only 41 apps (46.59%) obtained a MARS score over 3 points (“acceptable quality”). Functionality was the best rated section, followed by aesthetics, engagement, information, and app subjective quality. The 5 apps with the highest MARS score were the following: “Multiple Myeloma Manager”, “Hodgkin Lymphoma Manager”, “Focus On Lymphoma”, “ALL Manager”, and “CLL Manager”. The analysis by the operating system, developers, and cost revealed statistically significant differences in the MARS score (P < .001, P <.001, and P=.049, respectively). Interrater agreement between the two reviewers was substantial (k=0.78). CONCLUSIONS There is great heterogeneity in the quality of apps for hematological patients. More than half of the apps do not meet acceptable criteria for quality and content. Most of them only provide information about the pathology, lacking interactivity and personalization options. The participation of health professionals in the development of these apps is low, although it is narrowly related to better quality.

scholarly journals Assessing Apps for Patients with Genitourinary Tumors Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS): Systematic Search in App Stores and Content Analysis (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Amor-García ◽  
Roberto Collado-Borrell ◽  
Vicente Escudero-Vilaplana ◽  
Alejandra Melgarejo-Ortuño ◽  
Ana Herranz-Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Genitourinary Cancers

BACKGROUND The large number of available cancer apps and their impact on the population necessitates a transparent, objective, and comprehensive evaluation by app experts, health care professionals, and users. To date, there have been no analyses or classifications of apps for patients with genitourinary cancers, which are among the most prevalent types of cancer. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to analyze the quality of apps for patients diagnosed with genitourinary cancers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and identify high-quality apps. METHODS We performed an observational cross-sectional descriptive study of all smartphone apps for patients diagnosed with genitourinary cancers available on iOS and Android platforms. In July 2019, we searched for all available apps for patients with genitourinary cancers (bladder, prostate, cervical, uterine, endometrial, kidney, testicular, and vulvar) or their caregivers. Apps were downloaded and evaluated, and the general characteristics were entered into a database. The evaluation was performed by 2 independent researchers using the MARS questionnaire, which rates 23 evaluation criteria clustered in 5 domains (Engagement, Functionality, Esthetics, Information, and Subjective Quality) on a scale from 1 to 5. RESULTS In total, 46 apps were analyzed. Of these, 31 (67%) were available on Android, 6 (13%) on iOS, and 9 (20%) on both platforms. The apps were free in 89% of cases (41/46), and 61% (28/46) had been updated in the previous year. The apps were intended for prostate cancer in 30% of cases (14/46) and cervical cancer in 17% (8/46). The apps were mainly informative (63%, 29/46), preventive (24%, 11/46), and diagnostic (13%, 6/46). Only 7/46 apps (15%) were developed by health care organizations. The mean MARS score for the overall quality of the 46 apps was 2.98 (SD 0.77), with a maximum of 4.63 and a minimum of 1.95. Functionality scores were quite similar for most of the apps, with the greatest differences in Engagement and Esthetics, which showed acceptable scores in one-third of the apps. The 5 apps with the highest MARS score were the following: “Bladder cancer manager,” “Kidney cancer manager,” “My prostate cancer manager,” “Target Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Diary,” and “My Cancer Coach.” We observed statistically significant differences in the MARS score between the operating systems and the developer types (<i>P</i>&lt;.001 and <i>P</i>=.01, respectively), but not for cost (<i>P</i>=.62). CONCLUSIONS MARS is a helpful methodology to decide which apps can be prescribed to patients and to identify which features should be addressed to improve these tools. Most of the apps designed for patients with genitourinary cancers only try to provide data about the disease, without coherent interactivity. The participation of health professionals in the development of these apps is low; nevertheless, we observed that both the participation of health professionals and regular updates were correlated with quality.

scholarly journals Assessing Apps for Patients with Genitourinary Tumors Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS): Systematic Search in App Stores and Content Analysis

10.2196/17609 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e17609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Amor-García ◽  
Roberto Collado-Borrell ◽  
Vicente Escudero-Vilaplana ◽  
Alejandra Melgarejo-Ortuño ◽  
Ana Herranz-Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Genitourinary Cancers

Background The large number of available cancer apps and their impact on the population necessitates a transparent, objective, and comprehensive evaluation by app experts, health care professionals, and users. To date, there have been no analyses or classifications of apps for patients with genitourinary cancers, which are among the most prevalent types of cancer. Objective The objective of our study was to analyze the quality of apps for patients diagnosed with genitourinary cancers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and identify high-quality apps. Methods We performed an observational cross-sectional descriptive study of all smartphone apps for patients diagnosed with genitourinary cancers available on iOS and Android platforms. In July 2019, we searched for all available apps for patients with genitourinary cancers (bladder, prostate, cervical, uterine, endometrial, kidney, testicular, and vulvar) or their caregivers. Apps were downloaded and evaluated, and the general characteristics were entered into a database. The evaluation was performed by 2 independent researchers using the MARS questionnaire, which rates 23 evaluation criteria clustered in 5 domains (Engagement, Functionality, Esthetics, Information, and Subjective Quality) on a scale from 1 to 5. Results In total, 46 apps were analyzed. Of these, 31 (67%) were available on Android, 6 (13%) on iOS, and 9 (20%) on both platforms. The apps were free in 89% of cases (41/46), and 61% (28/46) had been updated in the previous year. The apps were intended for prostate cancer in 30% of cases (14/46) and cervical cancer in 17% (8/46). The apps were mainly informative (63%, 29/46), preventive (24%, 11/46), and diagnostic (13%, 6/46). Only 7/46 apps (15%) were developed by health care organizations. The mean MARS score for the overall quality of the 46 apps was 2.98 (SD 0.77), with a maximum of 4.63 and a minimum of 1.95. Functionality scores were quite similar for most of the apps, with the greatest differences in Engagement and Esthetics, which showed acceptable scores in one-third of the apps. The 5 apps with the highest MARS score were the following: “Bladder cancer manager,” “Kidney cancer manager,” “My prostate cancer manager,” “Target Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Diary,” and “My Cancer Coach.” We observed statistically significant differences in the MARS score between the operating systems and the developer types (P<.001 and P=.01, respectively), but not for cost (P=.62). Conclusions MARS is a helpful methodology to decide which apps can be prescribed to patients and to identify which features should be addressed to improve these tools. Most of the apps designed for patients with genitourinary cancers only try to provide data about the disease, without coherent interactivity. The participation of health professionals in the development of these apps is low; nevertheless, we observed that both the participation of health professionals and regular updates were correlated with quality.

Psychometric evaluation of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yannik Terhorst ◽  
Paula Philippi ◽  
Lasse Sander ◽  
Dana Schultchen ◽  
Sarah Paganini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Health Domains ◽  
Psychometric Quality

BACKGROUND Mobile health apps (MHA) have the potential to improve health care. The commercial MHA market is rapidly growing, but the content and quality of available MHA are unknown. Consequently, instruments of high psychometric quality for the assessment of the quality and content of MHA are highly needed. The Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) is one of the most widely used tools to evaluate the quality of MHA in various health domains. Only few validation studies investigating its psychometric quality exist with selected samples of MHAs. No study has evaluated the construct validity of the MARS and concurrent validity to other instruments. OBJECTIVE This study evaluates the construct validity, concurrent validity, reliability, and objectivity, of the MARS. METHODS MARS scoring data was pooled from 15 international app quality reviews to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MARS. The MARS measures app quality across four dimensions: engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information quality. App quality is determined for each dimension and overall. Construct validity was evaluated by assessing related competing confirmatory models that were explored by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A combination of non-centrality (RMSEA), incremental (CFI, TLI) and residual (SRMR) fit indices was used to evaluate the goodness of fit. As a measure of concurrent validity, the correlations between the MARS and 1) another quality assessment tool called ENLIGHT, and 2) user star-rating extracted from app stores were investigated. Reliability was determined using Omega. Objectivity was assessed in terms of intra-class correlation. RESULTS In total, MARS ratings from 1,299 MHA covering 15 different health domains were pooled for the analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a bifactor model with a general quality factor and an additional factor for each subdimension (RMSEA=0.074, TLI=0.922, CFI=0.940, SRMR=0.059). Reliability was good to excellent (Omega 0.79 to 0.93). Objectivity was high (ICC=0.82). The overall MARS rating was positively associated with ENLIGHT (r=0.91, P<0.01) and user-ratings (r=0.14, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS he psychometric evaluation of the MARS demonstrated its suitability for the quality assessment of MHAs. As such, the MARS could be used to make the quality of MHA transparent to health care stakeholders and patients. Future studies could extend the present findings by investigating the re-test reliability and predictive validity of the MARS.

The Relationship between Restless Legs Syndrome and Quality of Life in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 205-208
Author(s):  
Monica F. Ataide ◽  
Carolina da Cunha-Correia ◽  
Katia C.L. Petribú
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Restless Legs Syndrome ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Restless Legs ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Clinical Conditions

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized for an uncomfortable sensation in legs and an irresistible desire to move them. This disorder has been more recently recognized in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and can interfere with the quality of life (QOL). Objectives: The aims of this study are to describe the prevalence of RLS and its severity and influence on the QOL in patients with MG. Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from May to June 2016 in Recife, Brazil. A sample of 42 patients was interviewed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, MG QOL questionnaire-15 and The RLS Rating Scale. Results: RLS was present in 47.6% of patients and of these 40.5% met moderate to severe RLS criteria. Patients were 45 years on average (SD ± 14.4) and women represented 57.1% of the study population. Among patients with RSL, the quality-of-life scores were worse (p = 0.010) on average. There was no association of RLS with the duration of MG, use of immunosuppressant or clinical conditions that could mimic the occurrence of RLS. Conclusion: RLS is a prevalent condition in patients with MG, and may be severe enough to negatively impact QOL.

An Analysis of Apps with a Medication List Functionality for Older People with Heart Failure: Evaluation using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics Functionality Score (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohanca Maria Diaz-Skeete ◽  
David McQuaid ◽  
Adewale Samuel Akinosun ◽  
Idongesit Ekerete ◽  
Natacha Carragher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Medication List ◽  
Healthcare Informatics ◽  
Medication History ◽  
Clinic Efficiency ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Managing the care of older patients with heart failure (HF) largely centres on medication management. Due to their frequent medication or dosing changes, an app supporting them to keep an up-to-date list of medication could be advantageous. During COVID-19 times, HF outpatients’ consultations are taking place virtually or by phone. An app with the capability to share the medication list with healthcare professionals before consultation could support the clinic efficiency, for example, reducing consultation time. However, the influence of apps on maintaining an up to date medication history for older adults with HF in Ireland remains largely unexplored. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this review are twofold: to review apps with a medication list functionality and to evaluate the quality of the apps included in the review using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionality scale. METHODS A systematic search of apps was conducted in June 2019 using the Google Play StoreTM and iTunes App StoreTM. The MARS was used independently by four researchers to assess the quality of the apps using an Android phone and an iPad. Apps were also evaluated using the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionality score. RESULTS Google play and iOS app stores searches identified 483 potential apps (292 from Android stores and 191 from Apple stores). Six apps met the inclusion criteria. Medisafe app had the highest overall MARS score (4/5) and the medication list & medical records app had the lowest overall score (2.5/5). Five out of the six apps achieved an acceptable quality MARS score (>3.0). Two apps scored the maximum number of features (n=11) according to the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionality score and two scored the lowest (n=5). The apps had on average 8 functions based on the IMS functionality criteria (range 5 to 11). CONCLUSIONS The quality of current apps with a medication list functionality varies regarding their technical aspects. Most of the apps reviewed have an acceptable MARS objective quality. However, the subjective quality or satisfaction with the apps was poor. Only three apps are based on scientific evidence and have been previously tested. Two apps featured all the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionalities and half do not provide clear instructions on how to enter medication data, do not display vital parameters data in an easy to understand format and do not guide users on how or when to take their medication. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

The association between physical activity and menopause-related quality of life

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Cyanna Joseph D'souza ◽  
Santhakumar Haripriya ◽  
Harish Sreekantan Krishna
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Menopausal Symptoms ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background/aims Menopause can cause drastic changes that trigger severe symptoms in women and, in turn, influence their quality of life. Many women no longer prefer hormone replacement therapy because of its potential adverse effects. Hence, it is crucial to establish alternate interventions to alleviate menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between quality of life and level of physical activity in menopausal women. Methods A total of 260 postmenopausal women were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The Menopause Rating Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form were used to assess quality of life and physical activity respectively. Results Women with higher levels of physical activity had fewer total menopausal, somato-vegetative and psychological symptoms (P<0.001); no differences were found in vasomotor and urogenital symptoms. Conclusions Women with low physical activity levels presented with greater menopausal symptoms. Regular physical activity can be recommended to alleviate symptoms following menopause, thereby improving quality of life.

scholarly journals An observational study on quality of life and preferences to sustain life in locked-in state

Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (10) ◽  
pp. e938-e945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Kuzma-Kozakiewicz ◽  
Peter M. Andersen ◽  
Katarzyna Ciecwierska ◽  
Cynthia Vázquez ◽  
Olga Helczyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychosocial Adaptation ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hastened Death

ObjectiveThis is an observational study on well-being and end-of-life preferences in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the locked-in state (LIS) in a Polish sample within the EU Joint Programme–Neurodegenerative Disease Research study NEEDSinALS (NEEDSinALS.com).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, patients with ALS in LIS (n = 19) were interviewed on well-being (quality of life, depression) as a measure of psychosocial adaptation, coping mechanisms, and preferences towards life-sustaining treatments (ventilation, percutaneous endoscopic gastroscopy) and hastened death. Also, clinical data were recorded (ALS Functional Rating Scale–revised version). Standardized questionnaires (Anamnestic Comparative Self-Assessment [ACSA], Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW), ALS Depression Inventory–12 items [ADI-12], schedule of attitudes toward hastened death [SAHD], Motor Neuron Disease Coping Scale) were used, which were digitally transcribed; answers were provided via eye-tracking control. In addition, caregivers were asked to judge patients' well-being.ResultsThe majority of patients had an ACSA score >0 and a SEIQoL score >50% (indicating positive quality of life) and ADI-12 <29 (indicating no clinically relevant depression). Physical function did not reflect subjective well-being; even more, those with no residual physical function had a positive well-being. All patients would again choose the life-sustaining techniques they currently used and their wish for hastened death was low (SAHD <10). Caregivers significantly underestimated patient's well-being.InterpretationSome patients with ALS in LIS maintain a high sense of well-being despite severe physical restrictions. They are content with their life-sustaining treatments and have a strong will to live, which both may be underestimated by their families and public opinion.

scholarly journals Active health Ombudsman service

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlo Jozefo Quadros de Almeida ◽  
Francis Nakle de Roure ◽  
Roberto José Bittencourt ◽  
Regina Maria Dias Buani dos Santos ◽  
Fernanda Viana Bittencourt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Public Management ◽  
Federal District ◽  
Maternity Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Initial Care ◽  
Maternity Hospitals

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the active health Ombudsman service as an instrument to evaluate the quality of delivery and birth care in the Cegonha Network of the Federal District of Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of the telephone survey type carried out with 1,007 mothers with deliveries between October 15, 2013 and November 19, 2013 in the twelve public maternity hospitals that make up the Cegonha Network of the Federal District of Brazil. The instrument has 25 multiple choice or Likert scale questions, including sociodemographic data and acceptability evaluation in five domains: accessibility, relationship between the patient and health professionals, conditions of the structure of the service, information to the patient, and equity and opinion of the patient. We have studied qualitative or categorical variables according to the frequency and distribution of proportions. We have used the score transformed into a scale from zero to 100 for the analysis of the Likert-type scale questions. Results have been expressed as mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: Access to prenatal appointments was evaluated as good or excellent by 86.1% of the participants and laboratory tests was evaluated as good or excellent by 85.2% of them. The access to imaging tests was evaluations as good or excellent by 45.7% of the women; 79.5% of the interviewees had their delivery in the maternity hospital where they sought initial care and 18.3% received a home visit by a community health agent after discharge. Most women reported that newborns were placed skin-to-skin immediately after birth, 48.9% had a companion at the time of the delivery, 76.3% were advised about the first appointment of the newborn, and 94.8% were advised on breastfeeding in the maternity hospital. Regarding the evaluation of health professionals, 85.9% of the women considered reception and cordiality as good or excellent at the prenatal care and 94.8% considered it as good or excellent at the maternity hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The active health Ombudsman service has contributed to evaluate the quality of public management by allowing the incorporation of the perspective of users of the health service in the evaluation of the acceptability of the Cegonha Network in the Federal District of Brazil.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms, Pain, and Quality of Life among Patients with Nonalcohol-Related Chronic Pancreatitis

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy E. Balliet ◽  
Shenelle Edwards-Hampton ◽  
Jeffery J. Borckardt ◽  
Katherine Morgan ◽  
David Adams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Pancreatitis ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Depressive Symptomology ◽  
The Mean

Objective. The present study was conducted to determine if depressive symptoms were associated with variability in pain perception and quality of life among patients with nonalcohol-related chronic pancreatitis. Methods. The research design was cross-sectional, and self-report data was collected from 692 patients with nonalcohol-related, intractable pancreatitis. The mean age of the sample was 52.6 (); 41% of the sample were male. Participants completed the MOS SF12 Quality of Life Measure, the Center for Epidemiological Studies 10-item Depression Scale (CESD), and a numeric rating scale measure of “pain on average” from the Brief Pain Inventory. Results. Depressive symptoms were significantly related to participants’ reports of increased pain and decreased quality of life. The mean CESD score of the sample was 10.6 () and 52% of the sample scored above the clinical cutoff for the presence of significant depressive symptomology. Patients scoring above the clinical cutoff on the depression screening measure rated their pain as significantly higher than those below the cutoff () and had significantly lower physical quality of life () and lower mental quality of life (). Conclusion. Although causality cannot be determined based on cross-sectional, correlational data, findings suggest that among patients with nonalcoholic pancreatitis, the presence of depressive symptoms is common and may be a risk factor associated with increased pain and decreased quality of life. Thus, routine screening for depressive symptomology among patients with nonalcoholic pancreatitis may be warranted.

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