scholarly journals Tablet-Based Apps for Phonics and Phonological Awareness: Protocol for Evidence-Based Appraisal of Content, Quality, and Usability

10.2196/23921 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e23921
Author(s):  
Lisa Furlong ◽  
Tanya Serry ◽  
Shane Erickson ◽  
Meg E Morris
Keyword(s):  
Phonological Awareness ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Reading Difficulties ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Quality Appraisal ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
App Store ◽  
Tablet Apps ◽  
Google Play

Background The use of mobile apps to manage and promote health is becoming increasingly popular. Mobile apps are gaining popularity particularly in educational and interventional settings owing to their perceived advantages including support for and engagement of individuals with reading difficulties. In the context of COVID-19, the need for technology-based tools has increased. For practitioners and educators who wish to use apps in their practice or recommend apps to individuals with reading difficulties, it is challenging to identify high-quality apps in app stores. Objective This protocol describes a systematic search, selection, and appraisal process for tablet apps targeting phonics knowledge and phonological awareness skills. This protocol aimed to (1) provide a systematic method for identifying tablet apps targeting phonics knowledge and phonological awareness skills in the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store and (2) describe an evidence-based approach for quality appraisal of these apps by using structured tools. Methods This protocol describes an evidence-based method guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework to systematically search, select, and appraise apps targeting phonics knowledge and phonological awareness skills, present in Google Play and the App Store. We intend to perform a systematic and comprehensive search and a 2-step process for screening: (1) broad screening (app titles) and (2) narrow screening (marketing descriptions). Quality appraisal of the included apps will involve two structured appraisal tools: (1) the Mobile Application Rating Scale and (2) the Appraising Apps for Reading Checklist. Results This method will help determine the number of apps targeting phonics knowledge and phonological awareness, present on the Android and iOS platforms. The content, quality, and usability of these apps will be determined using structured appraisal tools. We have planned to conduct searches on Google Play and the App Store in January-March 2021; broad and focused screening, from April 2021; and data extraction and quality appraisal in October 2021. Conclusions This protocol provides a basis for locating and evaluating apps targeting phonics knowledge and phonological awareness skills. This protocol will support practitioners, educators, and families to make informed decisions when purchasing apps for instructional use. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/23921

scholarly journals Tablet-based apps for phonics and phonological awareness: Protocol for an evidence-based appraisal of quality and perceived therapeutic benefit (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Furlong ◽  
Tanya Serry ◽  
Shane Erickson ◽  
Meg Morris
Keyword(s):  
Phonological Awareness ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Reading Difficulties ◽  
Therapeutic Benefit ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Quality Appraisal ◽  
App Store ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND The use of mobile applications (apps) to manage and promote health is becoming increasingly popular. Mobile apps are gaining particular popularity in education and intervention settings due to their perceived advantages for supporting and engaging individuals with reading difficulties. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for technology-based tools has been even greater. For practitioners and educators wishing to use apps in their practice or recommend apps for use by individuals with reading difficulties, the challenge lies in being able to locate high quality and therapeutically beneficial apps in the app stores. OBJECTIVE This protocol describes a systematic search, selection and appraisal process for mobile apps targeting phonics knowledge and phonological awareness skills. The aims are to: 1) provide a systematic method for identifying mobile apps targeting phonics knowledge and phonological awareness skills in the Google Play Store and App Store and; 2) to describe an evidence-based approach for quality appraisal of mobile apps for phonics knowledge and phonological awareness skills using structured and validated tools. METHODS This protocol describes an evidence-based method drawing on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to systematically search, select and appraise mobile apps targeting phonics knowledge and phonological awareness skills in the two largest app stores; Google play and Apple's App store. A systematic and comprehensive search process is described and a two-step process to screening is outlined: 1) broad screening (app titles) and; 2) narrow screening (marketing descriptions). This protocol describes a systematic approach to quality appraisal of mobile apps targeting phonics knowledge and phonological awareness skills using structured and validated quality appraisal tools. RESULTS This search strategy will enable identification of the number of apps available on the iOS and Android platforms targeting phonics knowledge and phonological awareness skills. It describes a process of systematically appraising the quality of these apps including the perceived therapeutic benefit of using these apps in relation to phonics knowledge and phonological awareness skills. Searching of Google Play and the App Store is planned for October 2020 with broad and focussed screening to commence from November 2020. Data extraction and quality appraisal is anticipated to commence in December 2020. CONCLUSIONS This method provides the basis for locating and evaluating mobile apps targeting phonics and phonological awareness skills. Amidst a plethora of available apps, this will support practitioners, educators and families to make informed decisions when purchasing apps for therapeutic use. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

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

2020 ◽  
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 <i>language</i>, 17 apps for <i>speech</i>, 8 apps for <i>cognitive communication</i>, 6 apps for <i>voice</i>, and 5 apps for <i>oromotor function</i> or <i>numeracy</i>. The overall MARS mean score was 3.7 out of 5, SD 0.6, ranging between 2.1 and 4.5, with <i>functionality</i> being the highest-scored subscale (4.3, SD 0.6)<i>, followed by aesthetics</i> (3.8, SD 0.8), <i>information</i> (3.4, SD 0.6)<i>, and engagement</i> (3.3, SD 0.6). The top 5 apps were <i>Naming Therapy</i> (4.6/5), <i>Speech Flipbook Standard</i> (4.6/5), <i>Number Therapy</i> (4.5/5), <i>Answering Therapy</i>, and <i>Constant Therapy</i> (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 Correction: Mobile Apps for Speech-Language Therapy in Adults With Communication Disorders: Review of Content and Quality (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
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

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

10.2196/20009 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. e20009
Author(s):  
Meredith C Meacham ◽  
Erin A Vogel ◽  
Johannes Thrul
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
App Store ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
Do It Yourself ◽  
Content Review ◽  
Google Play

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

scholarly journals German Mobile Apps in Rheumatology: Review and Analysis Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS)

10.2196/14991 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e14991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Knitza ◽  
Koray Tascilar ◽  
Eva-Maria Messner ◽  
Marco Meyer ◽  
Diana Vossen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Validated Questionnaires ◽  
App Store ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Google Play

Background Chronic rheumatic diseases need long-term treatment and professional supervision. Mobile apps promise to improve the lives of patients and physicians. In routine practice, however, rheumatology apps are largely unknown and little is known about their quality and safety. Objective The aim of this study was to provide an overview of mobile rheumatology apps currently available in German app stores, evaluate app quality using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), and compile brief, ready-to-use descriptions for patients and rheumatologists. Methods The German App Store and Google Play store were systematically searched to identify German rheumatology mobile apps for patient and physician use. MARS was used to independently assess app quality by 8 physicians, 4 using Android and 4 using iOS smartphones. Apps were randomly assigned so that 4 apps were rated by all raters and the remaining apps were rated by two Android and two iOS users. Furthermore, brief app descriptions including app developers, app categories, and features were compiled to inform potential users and developers. Results In total, 128 and 63 apps were identified in the German Google Play and App Store, respectively. After removing duplicates and only including apps that were available in both stores, 28 apps remained. Sixteen apps met the inclusion criteria, which were (1) German language, (2) availability in both app stores, (3) targeting patients or physicians as users, and (4) clearly including rheumatology or rheumatic diseases as subject matter. Exclusion criteria were (1) congress apps and (2) company apps with advertisements. Nine apps addressed patients and 7 apps addressed physicians. No clinical studies to support the effectiveness and safety of apps could be found. Pharmaceutical companies were the main developers of two apps. Rheuma Auszeit was the only app mainly developed by a patient organization. This app had the highest overall MARS score (4.19/5). Three out of 9 patient apps featured validated questionnaires. The median overall MARS score was 3.85/5, ranging from 2.81/5 to 4.19/5. One patient-targeted and one physician-targeted app had MARS scores >4/5. No significant rater gender or platform (iOS/Android) differences could be observed. The overall correlation between app store ratings and MARS scores was low and inconsistent between platforms. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study that systematically identified and evaluated mobile apps in rheumatology for patients and physicians available in German app stores. We found a lack of supporting clinical studies, use of validated questionnaires, and involvement of academic developers. Overall app quality was heterogeneous. To create high-quality apps, closer cooperation led by patients and physicians is vital.

scholarly journals German Mobile Apps for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management: Review and Analysis using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian Gerner ◽  
Nicolas Vuillerme ◽  
Timothée Aubourg ◽  
Eva-Maria Messner ◽  
Yannik Terhorst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
App Store ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) frequently need long-term medical treatment. Mobile apps promise to complement and improve IBD management, however, so far there is no scientific analysis of their quality. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the quality of German IBD mobile apps targeting inflammatory bowel disease patients and physicians treating IBD patients using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). METHODS The German Apple App Store and Google Play store were systematically searched to identify German IBD mobile apps for patients and physician use. MARS was used to independently assess app quality by 6 physicians, 3 using Android and 3 using iOS smartphones. Apps were randomly assigned so that the 4 apps with the most downloads were rated by all raters and the remaining apps were rated by 1 Android and 1 iOS user. RESULTS In total, we identified 1764 apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. After removing apps that were not related to IBD (1386) and not available in German (317), 61 apps remained. After removing duplicates (3), congress (7), journal (4), and clinical study apps (6), as well as excluding apps that were available in only one of the two app stores (20) and apps which can only be used with an additional device (7) , 14 apps fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The app “CED Dokumentation und Tipps” had the highest overall MARS score with 4.11/5. Median MARS scores of the 14 apps were ranging from 2.38 and 4.11. All of the analyzed apps addressed patients. Three apps are classified as medical products. There was no significant difference between iOS and Android raters. CONCLUSIONS The quality of German IBD apps is largely heterogeneous. Furthermore, despite promising international study results, little evidence exists proving a clinical benefit for German IBD apps. MARS seems to be a suitable method to identify relevant apps. Accordingly, clinical studies and also patient inclusion in the app development process are needed to effectively implement mobile apps in routine care.

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 German Mobile Apps in Rheumatology: Review and Analysis Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Knitza ◽  
Koray Tascilar ◽  
Eva-Maria Messner ◽  
Marco Meyer ◽  
Diana Vossen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Validated Questionnaires ◽  
App Store ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Chronic rheumatic diseases need long-term treatment and professional supervision. Mobile apps promise to improve the lives of patients and physicians. In routine practice, however, rheumatology apps are largely unknown and little is known about their quality and safety. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to provide an overview of mobile rheumatology apps currently available in German app stores, evaluate app quality using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), and compile brief, ready-to-use descriptions for patients and rheumatologists. METHODS The German App Store and Google Play store were systematically searched to identify German rheumatology mobile apps for patient and physician use. MARS was used to independently assess app quality by 8 physicians, 4 using Android and 4 using iOS smartphones. Apps were randomly assigned so that 4 apps were rated by all raters and the remaining apps were rated by two Android and two iOS users. Furthermore, brief app descriptions including app developers, app categories, and features were compiled to inform potential users and developers. RESULTS In total, 128 and 63 apps were identified in the German Google Play and App Store, respectively. After removing duplicates and only including apps that were available in both stores, 28 apps remained. Sixteen apps met the inclusion criteria, which were (1) German language, (2) availability in both app stores, (3) targeting patients or physicians as users, and (4) clearly including rheumatology or rheumatic diseases as subject matter. Exclusion criteria were (1) congress apps and (2) company apps with advertisements. Nine apps addressed patients and 7 apps addressed physicians. No clinical studies to support the effectiveness and safety of apps could be found. Pharmaceutical companies were the main developers of two apps. Rheuma Auszeit was the only app mainly developed by a patient organization. This app had the highest overall MARS score (4.19/5). Three out of 9 patient apps featured validated questionnaires. The median overall MARS score was 3.85/5, ranging from 2.81/5 to 4.19/5. One patient-targeted and one physician-targeted app had MARS scores >4/5. No significant rater gender or platform (iOS/Android) differences could be observed. The overall correlation between app store ratings and MARS scores was low and inconsistent between platforms. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study that systematically identified and evaluated mobile apps in rheumatology for patients and physicians available in German app stores. We found a lack of supporting clinical studies, use of validated questionnaires, and involvement of academic developers. Overall app quality was heterogeneous. To create high-quality apps, closer cooperation led by patients and physicians is vital.

scholarly journals Vaping-Related Mobile Apps Available in the Google Play Store After the Apple Ban: Content Review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meredith C Meacham ◽  
Erin A Vogel ◽  
Johannes Thrul
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
App Store ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
Do It Yourself ◽  
Content Review ◽  
Google Play

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

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