scholarly journals A Possible Mobile Health Solution in Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery: Development Protocol and User Evaluation of the Ankle Joint App

10.2196/16403 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e16403
Author(s):  
Florian Dittrich ◽  
David Alexander Back ◽  
Anna Katharina Harren ◽  
Marcus Jäger ◽  
Stefan Landgraeber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Ankle Sprains ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Medical App ◽  
The Mean

Background Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent sports injuries. With respect to the high prevalence of ankle ligament injuries and patients’ young age, optimizing treatment and rehabilitation is mandatory to prevent future complications such as chronic ankle instability or osteoarthritis. Objective In modern times, an increasing amount of smartphone usage in patient care is evident. Studies investigating mobile health (mHealth)–based rehabilitation programs after ankle sprains are rare. The aim of this study was to expose any issues present in the development process of a medical app as well as associated risks and chances. Methods The development process of the Ankle Joint App was defined in chronological order using a protocol. The app’s quality was evaluated using the (user) German Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-G) by voluntary foot and ankle surgeons (n=20) and voluntary athletes (n=20). Results A multidisciplinary development team built a hybrid app with a corresponding backend structure. The app’s content provides actual medical literature, training videos, and a log function. Excellent interrater reliability (interrater reliability=0.92; 95% CI 0.86-0.96) was obtained. The mean overall score for the Ankle Joint App was 4.4 (SD 0.5). The mean subjective quality scores were 3.6 (surgeons: SD 0.7) and 3.8 (athletes: SD 0.5). Behavioral change had mean scores of 4.1 (surgeons: SD 0.7) and 4.3 (athletes: SD 0.7). The medical gain value, rated by the surgeons only, was 3.9 (SD 0.6). Conclusions The data obtained demonstrate that mHealth-based rehabilitation programs might be a useful tool for patient education and collection of personal data. The achieved (user) MARS-G scores support a high quality of the tested app. Medical app development with an a priori defined target group and a precisely intended purpose, in a multidisciplinary team, is highly promising. Follow-up studies are required to obtain funded evidence for the ankle joints app’s effects on economical and medical aspects in comparison with established nondigital therapy paths.

scholarly journals A Possible Mobile Health Solution in Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery: Development Protocol and User Evaluation of the Ankle Joint App (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Dittrich ◽  
David Alexander Back ◽  
Anna Katharina Harren ◽  
Marcus Jäger ◽  
Stefan Landgraeber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Ankle Sprains ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Medical App ◽  
The Mean

BACKGROUND Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent sports injuries. With respect to the high prevalence of ankle ligament injuries and patients’ young age, optimizing treatment and rehabilitation is mandatory to prevent future complications such as chronic ankle instability or osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE In modern times, an increasing amount of smartphone usage in patient care is evident. Studies investigating mobile health (mHealth)–based rehabilitation programs after ankle sprains are rare. The aim of this study was to expose any issues present in the development process of a medical app as well as associated risks and chances. METHODS The development process of the Ankle Joint App was defined in chronological order using a protocol. The app’s quality was evaluated using the (user) German Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-G) by voluntary foot and ankle surgeons (n=20) and voluntary athletes (n=20). RESULTS A multidisciplinary development team built a hybrid app with a corresponding backend structure. The app’s content provides actual medical literature, training videos, and a log function. Excellent interrater reliability (interrater reliability=0.92; 95% CI 0.86-0.96) was obtained. The mean overall score for the Ankle Joint App was 4.4 (SD 0.5). The mean subjective quality scores were 3.6 (surgeons: SD 0.7) and 3.8 (athletes: SD 0.5). Behavioral change had mean scores of 4.1 (surgeons: SD 0.7) and 4.3 (athletes: SD 0.7). The medical gain value, rated by the surgeons only, was 3.9 (SD 0.6). CONCLUSIONS The data obtained demonstrate that mHealth-based rehabilitation programs might be a useful tool for patient education and collection of personal data. The achieved (user) MARS-G scores support a high quality of the tested app. Medical app development with an a priori defined target group and a precisely intended purpose, in a multidisciplinary team, is highly promising. Follow-up studies are required to obtain funded evidence for the ankle joints app’s effects on economical and medical aspects in comparison with established nondigital therapy paths.

Nick Noguez and Michael Gonzalez Discuss their Research Project: Are Social Features in Mobile Health Apps Effective in Engaging Users? A Content Analysis of Smoking Cessation Mobile Apps

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Noguez And Michael Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Social Features ◽  
Mobile Health Apps

  Despite the ubiquity of smartphone ownership and the increasing integration of social engagement features in smoking cessation apps to engage users, thesocial engagement features that exist in current smoking cessation apps and how effective these social features are in engaging users remain unclear. To fill the gap in the literature, a content analysis of free and paid smoking cessation mobile apps isconducted to examine a) the presence of socialengagement features(e.g., social support, social announcement, social referencing) and non-social engagement features (e.g., personal environmental changes, goal setting), and b) their relationship with user ratingsand engagement scores (e.g., Mobile App rating scale [MARS]). The findings will not only extend the mobile health apps engagement typology,but also inform smoking cessation mobile apps design.

scholarly journals Assessment of mHealth Solutions Applied to Fall Detection for the Elderly

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fellipe Soares de Oliveira ◽  
Camila Carvalho da Silva ◽  
Talita Santos Pinheiro ◽  
Larissa Mayumi Yokoi ◽  
Pablo Deoclecia dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Fall Detection ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Assessment Methods ◽  
Rigorous Evaluation ◽  
Wide Availability

Mobile Health has been increasingly present in healthcare due to the wide availability of applications for smartphones, however, robust assessment methods must be considered, seeking to provide evidence for clinical practice and mHealth solutions. This research presents the assessment of applications aimed at detecting and preventing falls for the elderly, available for Android and IOS, through the Mobile App Rating Scale. Based on the results presented, it can be concluded that the fall detection and prevention applications for the elderly available for Android and IOS showed good quality after rigorous evaluation.

scholarly journals A Mobile Health Coaching Intervention for Controlling Hypertension: Single-Arm Pilot Pre-Post Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Himali Weerahandi ◽  
Soaptarshi Paul ◽  
Lisa M Quintiliani ◽  
Sara Chokshi ◽  
Devin M Mann
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Dietary Assessment ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Coaching Intervention ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Physiological Outcomes

BACKGROUND The seminal Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) study demonstrated the effectiveness of diet to control hypertension; however, the effective implementation and dissemination of its principles have been limited. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a DASH mobile health intervention. We hypothesized that combining Bluetooth-enabled data collection, social networks, and a human coach with a smartphone DASH app (DASH Mobile) would be an effective medium for the delivery of the DASH program. METHODS We conducted a single-arm pilot study from August 2015 through August 2016, using a pre-post evaluation design to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a smartphone version of DASH that incorporated a human health coach. Participants were recruited both online and offline. RESULTS A total of 17 patients participated in this study; they had a mean age of 59 years (SD 6) and 10 (60%) were women. Participants were engaged with the app; in the 120 days of the study, the mean number of logged blood pressure measurements was 63 (SD 46), the mean number of recorded weight measurements was 52 (SD 45), and participants recorded a mean of 55 step counts (SD 36). Coaching phone calls had a high completion rate (74/102, 73%). The mean number of servings documented per patient for the dietary assessment was 709 (SD 541), and patients set a mean number of 5 (SD 2) goals. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, weight, body mass index, and step count did not significantly change over time (<i>P</i>&gt;.10 for all parameters). CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, we found that participants were engaged with an interactive mobile app that promoted healthy behaviors to treat hypertension. We did not find a difference in the physiological outcomes, but were underpowered to identify such changes.

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

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

scholarly journals 1634. A Mobile Application for Management and Surveillance of Vector-borne Diseases in Cali, Colombia: An Evaluation of Usability and Acceptability in a Hospital Setting

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S596-S596
Author(s):  
Sarita Rodriguez ◽  
Ana M Sanz ◽  
Gonzalo Llano ◽  
Andres Navarro ◽  
Luis Gabriel Parra-Lara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practitioners ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Vector Borne

Abstract Background Vector-borne diseases are a public health problem in Colombia, an area that has become hyperendemic for dengue virus. This situation has been aggravated by the introduction of other arboviruses such as chikungunya and Zika in the last 3 years. Mobile health (mHealth) offers new strategies for strengthening healthcare and surveillance systems. A large number of mHealth tools are available; however, very few have been evaluated regarding usability and acceptability. This study aimed to evaluate the usability and acceptability of a mobile application, FeverDX, as a support tool in the management of patients with febrile syndrome and suspected vector-borne infection by general practitioners from Colombia. Methods The usability and acceptability of FeverDX were evaluated using the modified version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). The evaluation included aspects of content, user engagement, functionality, user-interface design, impact, and subjective quality. Results Between December 2016 and January 2017, a total of 20 general practitioners evaluated FeverDX. Seventy-five percent of the evaluators reported being aware of the Colombian Ministry of Health guidelines for diagnosis and management of arboviruses. 80% of evaluators partially or completely agreed the application information agreed with management guidelines. On uMARS scale, FeverDX excelled regarding impact (median = 5/5, IQR = 5–5); functionality (5/5, 4.8–5); and information and scientific basis (4/5, 4-4). FeverDX scored well regarding user feedback (median = 4/5, IQR = 4–4.5); design and esthetics (4/5, 4–4.3); and subjective assessment of quality (4.5/5, 4.3–4.8). Conclusion Despite a large number of mHealth tools available, the literature lacks evaluated and evidence-based mobile technology. Applying Information and Communications Technologies in health areas can strengthen care processes and facilitate the detection and reporting of reportable surveillance diseases. Assess the usability and acceptability of mobile health applications increases the reliability of these technologies. The mobile app, FeverDx, can improve adherence to guidelines for management and prevention of prevalent diseases. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals A Mobile Health Coaching Intervention for Controlling Hypertension: Single-Arm Pilot Pre-Post Study

10.2196/13989 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. e13989
Author(s):  
Himali Weerahandi ◽  
Soaptarshi Paul ◽  
Lisa M Quintiliani ◽  
Sara Chokshi ◽  
Devin M Mann
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Dietary Assessment ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Coaching Intervention ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Physiological Outcomes

Background The seminal Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) study demonstrated the effectiveness of diet to control hypertension; however, the effective implementation and dissemination of its principles have been limited. Objective This study aimed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a DASH mobile health intervention. We hypothesized that combining Bluetooth-enabled data collection, social networks, and a human coach with a smartphone DASH app (DASH Mobile) would be an effective medium for the delivery of the DASH program. Methods We conducted a single-arm pilot study from August 2015 through August 2016, using a pre-post evaluation design to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a smartphone version of DASH that incorporated a human health coach. Participants were recruited both online and offline. Results A total of 17 patients participated in this study; they had a mean age of 59 years (SD 6) and 10 (60%) were women. Participants were engaged with the app; in the 120 days of the study, the mean number of logged blood pressure measurements was 63 (SD 46), the mean number of recorded weight measurements was 52 (SD 45), and participants recorded a mean of 55 step counts (SD 36). Coaching phone calls had a high completion rate (74/102, 73%). The mean number of servings documented per patient for the dietary assessment was 709 (SD 541), and patients set a mean number of 5 (SD 2) goals. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, weight, body mass index, and step count did not significantly change over time (P>.10 for all parameters). Conclusions In this pilot study, we found that participants were engaged with an interactive mobile app that promoted healthy behaviors to treat hypertension. We did not find a difference in the physiological outcomes, but were underpowered to identify such changes.

scholarly journals A systematic review of dialectical behavior therapy mobile apps for content and usability

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsey R. Wilks ◽  
Kyrill Gurtovenko ◽  
Kevin Rebmann ◽  
James Williamson ◽  
Josh Lovell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Therapy ◽  
Dialectical Behavior Therapy ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Star Rating ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Google Play

Abstract Background The gap between treatment need and treatment availability is particularly wide for individuals seeking Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mobile apps based on DBT may be useful in increasing access to care and augmenting in-person DBT. This review examines DBT based apps, with a specific focus on content quality and usability. Methods All apps referring to DBT were identified in Google Play and iOS app stores and were systematically reviewed for app content and quality. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) was used to evaluate app usability and engagement. Results A total of 21 free to download apps were identified. The majority of apps (71%) included a component of skills training, five apps included a diary card feature. Most (76.19%) apps were designed to function without help from a therapist. The average user “star” rating was 4.39 out of 5. The mean overall MARS score was 3.41, with a range of 2.15 to 4.59, and 71.43% were considered minimally ‘acceptable,’ as defined by a score of 3 or higher. The average star rating was correlated with the total MARS score (r = .51, p = .02). Estimates of app usage differed substantially between popular and unpopular apps, with the three most popular apps accounting for 89.3% of monthly active users. Conclusions While the present study identified many usable and engaging apps in app stores designed based on DBT, there are limited apps for clinicians. DBT based mobile apps should be carefully developed and clinically evaluated.

scholarly journals Systematic Review and Scientific Rating of Commercial Apps Available in India for Diabetes Prevention

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Ranjani ◽  
S Nitika ◽  
R Hariharan ◽  
H Charumeena ◽  
N Oliver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Diabetes Prevention ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Activity Tracking ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Diet Plan ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDScientific evidence for digital health applications (apps) which claim to help in the prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is limited.OBJECTIVESWe aimed to evaluate the quality of currently available health apps for prevention of T2D amongst Asian Indians.METHODSUsing the keywords, ‘diabetes prevention’, ‘healthy lifestyle’ and ‘fitness’, a total of 1486 apps available in India via Google Play were assessed for eligibility by two independent reviewers. After initial screening using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 apps underwent a pre-specified rating based on user reviews, number of downloads and app size. Sixteen apps that scored ≥ 9 were shortlisted for further review using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). MARS contains 2 main categories: Category I (Application Quality) and Category II (Application Subjective Quality). The mean MARS scores were used to identify the top ranked apps.RESULTSThe mean score for Category I of MARS rating was highest for ‘Google Fit: Health and Activity Tracking’ (4.55/5). This was followed by ‘Healthifyme - Diet Plan, Health and Weight Loss’ (4.45/5). For Category II of MARS, ‘Diabetes M’, ‘Google Fit: Health and Activity Tracking’ and Calorie Counter- My fitness pal’, ‘Healthifyme - Diet plan, Health and Weight Loss’ all scored equally well. On comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each of these applications, ‘Google Fit: Health and Activity Tracking’ and ‘Healthifyme - Diet plan, Health and Weight Loss’ again ranked the best.CONCLUSIONSOur review identifies two commercially available apps ‘Google Fit: Health and Activity Tracking’ and ‘Healthifyme - Diet plan, Health and Weight Loss’ as being user friendly and good quality. Although encouraging, further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of these apps for prevention of diabetes.

scholarly journals Weight Management Apps in Saudi Arabia: Evaluation of Features and Quality

10.2196/19844 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e19844
Author(s):  
Dalal M Alshathri ◽  
Abeer S Alhumaimeedy ◽  
Ghada Al-Hudhud ◽  
Aseel Alsaleh ◽  
Sara Al-Musharaf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Management ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
App Store ◽  
The Mean

Background Weight management apps may provide support and management options for individuals with overweight and obesity. Research on the quality of weight management mHealth apps among the Saudi population is insufficient despite frequent use. Objective The aims of this study were to explore user perceptions of weight management apps, explore reasons for starting and stopping app use, appraise the quality of weight management apps available in the App Store, and compare the features currently available within the app market and those that are most desirable to weight management app users. Methods A web-based survey consisted of 31 open and closed questions about sociodemographic information, general health questions, app use, app user perceptions, and discontinuation of app use. The quality of the weight management apps available on the App Store was assessed using the Mobile App Rating Scale and evidence-based strategies. We also used six sigma evaluations to ensure that the quality measured by the tools consistently meets customer expectations. Results Data from the survey were analyzed. Of the respondents, 30.17% (324/1074) had used a weight management app, 18.16% (195/1074) used the apps and stopped, and 51.68% (555/1074) had never used a weight management app. Of apps mentioned, 23 met the inclusion criteria. The overall average Mobile App Rating Scale quality of apps was acceptable; 30% (7/23) received a quality mean score of 4 or higher (out of 5), and 30% (7/23) did not meet the acceptability score of 3 or higher. Evidence-based strategy results showed that feedback was not observed in any of the apps, and motivation strategy was observed in only 1 app. The sigma results of evidence-based strategies reflect that most of the apps fail to pass the mean. Conclusions App users desired a feature that allows them to communicate with a specialist, which is a missing in the available free apps. Despite the large number and accessibility of weight management apps, the quality and features of most are variable. It can be concluded from six sigma results that passing the mean does not ensure that the quality is consistently distributed through all app quality properties and Mobile App Rating Scale and evidence-based strategies do not give developers an indication of the acceptance of their apps by mobile users. This finding stresses the importance of reevaluating the passing criterion, which is ≥50% for designing an effective app.

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