A Systematic Review and Quality Evaluation of Commercial ‘Psycho-Educational’ Social Anxiety Mobile Applications (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trent Ernest Hammond ◽  
Lisa Lampe ◽  
Andrew Campbell ◽  
Steve Perisic ◽  
Vlasios Brakoulias
Keyword(s):  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Tablet Devices ◽  
Android Apps ◽  
Meta Analyses

BACKGROUND Wide usage of mobile applications (apps) has created new possibilities in social anxiety education and treatment. Anecdotally, people are more comfortable in using psycho-educational apps than attending initial psychotherapy sessions. However, the quality of social anxiety apps for smartphones and tablets remains unclear, making it difficult for people in the community to choose appropriate apps to use. Academic literature regarding the content, empirical evidence, and quality of these apps is scarce. OBJECTIVE To 1) identify the psycho-educational social anxiety apps in the most popular Australian app stores; 2) report the descriptive and technical information provided in apps exclusively for social anxiety; 3) evaluate app quality; and 4) identify whether any apps would be appropriate for people to use. METHODS This systematic stepwise review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards, and entailed: 1) systematically searching for, identifying, and selecting apps in the Australian Apple App and Google Play Stores; 2) downloading, using, and reviewing identified apps; 3) reporting technical and descriptive information in the app stores and individual apps; 4) evaluating app quality; and 5) deciding whether to recommend using the apps. RESULTS Initially, 1,043 apps were identified in the app stores containing the keywords 'social anxiety', 'social phobia', or 'shyness' in app names or descriptions. Of those, 12 were evaluated (3 iOS apps and 9 Android apps). At the time of evaluation, apps were compatible with smartphones and tablet devices. Nine were free to download from the app stores and three were priced between $3.99 and $5.00 Australian Dollars. Three apps were developed for treatment purposes, three provided supportive resources, one was intended for self-assessment, and the remaining five were designed for multiple purposes. At the time of download, app store ratings were available for five apps. Overall app quality was acceptable. Based on the ‘App Quality Rating Sub-Scale’ of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) (Sections A–D), apps functioned well in performance, ease of use, navigation, and gestural design. However, those outcomes were less favorable when apps were rated using the MARS ‘App Subjective Quality Sub-Scale’ (Section E). CONCLUSIONS Psycho-educational social anxiety apps may be beneficial for people with social anxiety, health professionals, and others in the community. However, given no apps reviewed appeared to contain empirical information or were clinically effective in managing social anxiety, we do not recommend their use. App accessibility could be improved by developing more apps which are free to download and available for a wider range of operating systems, both between and within countries/regions. Information, communication and technology professionals should collaborate with academics and mental health clinicians to develop apps that contain current information.

scholarly journals Diet-Related Mobile Apps to Promote Healthy Eating and Proper Nutrition: A Content Analysis and Quality Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3496
Author(s):  
Jihye Choi ◽  
Chongwook Chung ◽  
Hyekyung Woo
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Selection Of

Dietary mobile applications (apps) continue to hold promise for facilitating a healthy diet and managing nutrition. However, few studies have objectively evaluated the content and quality of such apps in Korea. The present study assessed the content and quality of dietary mobile apps using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). We selected 29 dietary apps based on keywords and eligibility criteria for inclusion in the analyses. We conducted regression analyses to examine the association between app content and MARS scores. Most of the apps featured a tracking tool, while few featured rewards or follow-up management. Our quality assessment revealed that the top-rated apps have distinct levels of quality in terms of MARS scores. The regression analyses showed that the ways in which the apps provide information and motivate the users are statistically significant predictors of app quality. Our findings may facilitate the selection of dietary apps in Korea and provide guidelines for app developers regarding potential improvements in terms of content and quality.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Quality of Mobile Applications (Apps) for Management of Low Back Pain Using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS)

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9209
Author(s):  
Adrian Escriche-Escuder ◽  
Irene De-Torres ◽  
Cristina Roldán-Jiménez ◽  
Jaime Martín-Martín ◽  
Antonio Muro-Culebras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Low Back ◽  
The United Kingdom

Digital health interventions may improve different behaviours. However, the rapid proliferation of technological solutions often does not allow for a correct assessment of the quality of the tools. This study aims to review and assess the quality of the available mobile applications (apps) related to interventions for low back pain. Two reviewers search the official stores of Android (Play Store) and iOS (App Store) for localisation in Spain and the United Kingdom, in September 2019, searching for apps related to interventions for low back pain. Seventeen apps finally are included. The quality of the apps is measured using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). The scores of each section and the final score of the apps are retrieved and the mean and standard deviation obtained. The average quality ranges between 2.83 and 4.57 (mean 3.82) on a scale from 1 (inadequate) to 5 (excellent). The best scores are found in functionality (4.7), followed by aesthetic content (mean 4.1). Information (2.93) and engagement (3.58) are the worst rated items. Apps generally have good overall quality, especially in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Engagement and information should be improved in most of the apps. Moreover, scientific evidence is necessary to support the use of applied health tools.

scholarly journals Breast Cancer-Related Apps in Google Play and App Store: Evaluate of Their Functionality and Quality

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aydanur AYDIN ◽  
Ayla GÜRSOY
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
App Store

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the functionality and quality of breast cancer-related apps which can be accessed from Turkey. Methods: The research covers 707 mobile applications, which were searched using the keywords "cancer", "oncology" and "breast cancer" in Google and App store stores between January and June 2019. The quality of apps was assessed with the user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Results: Mobile applications focus on communication, education and treatment order / plan categories. The average MARS quality score for applications in all of the two stores was determined as 3.42. According to the average score of the scale sub-dimensions; It was seen that they were ranked as functionality, aesthetics, information quality and participation. MARS scale sub-groups were listed as functionality, aesthetics, knowledge quality, and participation. Conclusion: e-Health is a subject that has just started to be used actively in health. Although basic information about breast cancer was used, information on prevention, early diagnosis and precautions was relatively limited and was not personalized. Support from healthcare professionals and further efforts should be made to develop evidence-based breast cancer knowledge and innovative technology and applications regarding cancer. Implications for practice: e-Health technologies are a good tool in breast cancer, but appear to lack evidence-based content and individual specific areas such as age and education level.

The functionality and quality of nutrition-related mobile applications in China (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Li ◽  
Jingmin Ding ◽  
Yishan Wang ◽  
Chengyao Tang ◽  
Puhong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Disease Management ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Diet Analysis ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Food Record

BACKGROUND There are an increasing number of mobile applications that provide dietary guidance in supporting healthy lifestyle and disease management. However, the characteristics of these nutrition-related apps are not well analyzed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the functionality and quality of nutrition-related apps in China. METHODS Mobile apps providing dietary guidance were screened in Chinese iOS and android app stores using stepwise searching criteria in November 2017. Primary review was conducted by extracting information from the description of apps. Free apps that contain all the information of diet and nutrition, with the last update after 1st Jan 2016 were downloaded for further analysis on the nutritional functionality features based on the framework of Chinese Dietary Guidelines and on the market related features as well. The user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) was used to assess the quality of apps. RESULTS Among the 44 downloaded nutrition-related apps screened from 628 apps with dietary guidance content, only 11(25%) were aimed exclusively for dietary guidance, the others were aimed for fitness guidance (17, 39%), disease management (11, 25%) and maternal health (5, 11%) respectively. The nutritional functionalities of the 44 apps included nutritional information enquiry (40, 91%), nutrition education (35, 80%), food record (34, 77%), diet analysis (34, 77%), and personalized recipes (21, 48%). Twelve out of 44 apps contained all of the above five nutrition related functionalities. The diet analysis and suggestions were mainly focused on energy (33/44, 75%), less on other factors like dietary structure (10/44, 23%). About 96% (42/44) of the apps provided social communication functionality and 59% (26/44) of the apps supported user incentives. Eight out of 44 apps (18%) also applied intelligent recognition technology. Using 5-point uMARS as scales of quality, the median scores of the 44 apps was 3.6 (IQR = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS Most nutrition-related apps are developed in the service of health management other than for dietary guidance exclusively. Although basic energy balance theory was generally applied, the nutritional functionality of the nutrition-related apps is relatively limited and not individualized. More efforts should be taken to integrate with the scientific nutritional knowledge and innovative technology in developing an app followed with complete and personalized dietary guidance.

Initiating Collaboration among Organ Transplant Professionals through Web Portals and Mobile Applications

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Alexander ◽  
Haley Hoy ◽  
Manil Maskey ◽  
Helen Conover ◽  
John Gamble ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Organ Transplant ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Efficient Access ◽  
Health Related

The knowledge base for healthcare providers working in the field of organ transplantation has grown exponentially. However, the field has no centralized ‘space’ dedicated to efficient access and sharing of information.The ease of use and portability of mobile applications (apps) make them ideal for subspecialists working in complex healthcare environments. In this article, the authors review the literature related to healthcare technology; describe the development of health-related technology; present their mobile app pilot project assessing the effects of a collaborative, mobile app based on a freely available content manage framework; and report their findings. They conclude by sharing both lessons learned while completing this project and future directions.

scholarly journals The Arabic Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale: Development and Validation Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Bardus ◽  
Nathalie Awada ◽  
Lilian A Ghandour ◽  
Elie-Jacques Fares ◽  
Tarek Gherbal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Management ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Arab World ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Highly Correlated

BACKGROUND With thousands of health apps in app stores globally, it is crucial to systemically and thoroughly evaluate the quality of these apps due to their potential influence on health decisions and outcomes. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) is the only currently available tool that provides a comprehensive, multidimensional evaluation of app quality, which has been used to compare medical apps from American and European app stores in various areas, available in English, Italian, Spanish, and German. However, this tool is not available in Arabic. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to translate and adapt MARS to Arabic and validate the tool with a sample of health apps aimed at managing or preventing obesity and associated disorders. METHODS We followed a well-established and defined “universalist” process of cross-cultural adaptation using a mixed methods approach. Early translations of the tool, accompanied by confirmation of the contents by two rounds of separate discussions, were included and culminated in a final version, which was then back-translated into English. Two trained researchers piloted the MARS in Arabic (MARS-Ar) with a sample of 10 weight management apps obtained from Google Play and the App Store. Interrater reliability was established using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). After reliability was ascertained, the two researchers independently evaluated a set of additional 56 apps. RESULTS MARS-Ar was highly aligned with the original English version. The ICCs for MARS-Ar (0.836, 95% CI 0.817-0.853) and MARS English (0.838, 95% CI 0.819-0.855) were good. The MARS-Ar subscales were highly correlated with the original counterparts (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). The lowest correlation was observed in the area of usability (<i>r</i>=0.685), followed by aesthetics (<i>r</i>=0.827), information quality (<i>r</i>=0.854), engagement (<i>r</i>=0.894), and total app quality (<i>r</i>=0.897). Subjective quality was also highly correlated (<i>r</i>=0.820). CONCLUSIONS MARS-Ar is a valid instrument to assess app quality among trained Arabic-speaking users of health and fitness apps. Researchers and public health professionals in the Arab world can use the overall MARS score and its subscales to reliably evaluate the quality of weight management apps. Further research is necessary to test the MARS-Ar on apps addressing various health issues, such as attention or anxiety prevention, or sexual and reproductive health.

scholarly journals Quality of Mobile Apps for Care Partners of People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: Mobile App Rating Scale Evaluation (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole E Werner ◽  
Janetta C Brown ◽  
Priya Loganathar ◽  
Richard J Holden
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Future Research ◽  
App Development ◽  
Care Partners ◽  
Acceptable Quality ◽  
The Us ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND The over 11 million care partners in the US who provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) cite persistent and pervasive unmet needs related to all aspects of their caregiving role. The proliferation of mobile applications (apps) for care partners has potential to meet the care partners’ needs, but the quality of apps is unknown. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to 1) evaluate the quality of publicly available apps for care partners of people living with ADRD and 2) identify design features of low- and high-quality apps to guide future research and app development. METHODS We searched the US Apple and Google Play app stores with the criteria that the app needed to be 1) available in US Google play or Apple app stores, 2) directly accessible to users “out of the box”, 3) primarily intended for use by an informal (family, friend) caregiver or caregivers of a person with dementia. The included apps were then evaluated using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), which includes descriptive app classification and rating using 23 items across five dimensions: engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and subjective quality. Next, we computed descriptive statistics for each rating. To identify recommendations for future research and app development, we categorized rater comments on the score driving factors for each item and what the app could have done to improve the score for that item. RESULTS We evaluated 17 apps (41% iOS only, 12% Android only, 47% both iOS and Android). We found that on average, the apps are of minimally acceptable quality. Although we identified apps above and below minimally acceptable quality, many apps had broken features and were rated as below acceptable for engagement and information. CONCLUSIONS Minimally acceptable quality is likely insufficient to meet care partner needs. Future research should establish minimum quality standards across dimensions for mobile apps for care partners. The design features of high-quality apps we identified in this research can provide the foundation for benchmarking those standards.

Quality of a Supporting Mobile App for Rheumatic Patients: Assessment Using the User Version of the Mobile Application Scale (uMARS) and Associated Patient Characteristics (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia Lambrecht ◽  
Nicolas Vuillerme ◽  
Christina Raab ◽  
David Simon ◽  
Eva-Maria Messner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Psoriatic Arthritis ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
End Users ◽  
Quality Score ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Subjective Quality ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Rheumatic Patients

BACKGROUND Mobile applications promise to improve current health care. A growing number app quality studies exist to help patients and physicians choose appropriate, helpful and useful applications. However, current mobile app quality ratings are mostly physician-based. They exclude patients although as end-users, patients are able to provide the most relevant feedback. In a recent physician-based review of rheumatic apps, Rheuma Auszeit received the best overall rating (4.2/5), however this app has never been systematically evaluated by the intended end-users, rheumatic patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was (1) to assess the quality of Rheuma Auszeit by rheumatic patients and (2) to evaluate the association between uMARS (User Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale) scores and patients’ characteristics. METHODS Consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthritis were seen at the rheumatology clinic at university hospital Erlangen, Germany. They were asked to evaluate the app Rheuma Auszeit using the uMARS and to complete a paper-based survey evaluating the individual preferences, attitudes and ehealth literacy. uMARS assesses the dimensions of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and subjective quality on 5-point scales. The association between uMARS scores and patients’ characteristics was further explored. RESULTS Between December 2018 and January 2019, a total of 126 patients evaluated Rheuma Auszeit using uMARS and filled out the paper-based survey. The median uMARS score was 3.9, IQR 0.7. Functionality was the domain with the highest rating (median 4.8, IQR 0.8), followed by aesthetics (median 4.0, IQR 0.7), information (median 3.5, IQR 0.8), and engagement (median 3.2, IQR 1.0). Subjective quality was average (median 3.0, IQR 1.0). The lowest scoring individual item was customization with a median of 2.5/5. Lower functionality scores were reported among older female rheumatic patients (P<.004). Older male rheumatic patients reported a higher subjective quality score (P<.024). Perceived disease activity and disease duration did not significantly correlate with any uMARS subdomain scores. eHealth literacy significantly correlated with functionality uMARS subdomain ratings (Rho=0.18; P<.042). Preferred time of app usage significantly correlated with engagement (Rho=0.20; P<.024), functionality (Rho=0.19; P<.029), total uMARS score (Rho=0.21; P<.017) and subjective quality score (Rho=0.21; P<.017). The vast majority of rheumatic patients would consider recommending Rheuma Auszeit to other patients (117/126; 92.9%). CONCLUSIONS Rheuma Auszeit was well accepted by patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondyloarthritis. Lacking customization could lead to low app compliance and should be improved. The study highlights the potential and feasibility of therapeutic complementary digital solutions in rheumatology.

Mobile Applications in Otolaryngology: A Systematic Review of the Literature, Apple App Store and the Google Play Store

2020 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-91
Author(s):  
Eleonora M. C. Trecca ◽  
Antonio Lonigro ◽  
Matteo Gelardi ◽  
Brandon Kim ◽  
Michele Cassano
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
App Store ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
Scientific Associations ◽  
Conference Papers ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Google Play

Objectives: Although the last few years have seen an increased number of smartphone applications (apps) disseminated in the field of Otolaryngology (ORL), these apps vary widely in quality. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to systematically review ORL apps directed towards patients in mobile app stores and the current literature. Methods: The Google Play Store, Apple App Store and PubMed were searched for ORL apps for patients using various keywords pertaining to different ORL subspecialties. Apps not relevant to the scope of this research and/or duplicates, educational apps, apps promoting a business, apps requiring specific separate hardware, and apps in non-English were excluded. In PubMed, keywords pertaining to the subspecialties were combined with “mobile app” in a search query; literature reviews, editorials, case reports, conference papers, duplicate articles, and articles irrelevant to ORL apps were excluded. The quality of apps with the highest number of reviews was assessed using the “Mobile App Rating Scale” (MARS), while the quality of the articles was rated using “The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology” (STROBE) Statement. Results: After searching the app stores, 1074 apps were included and grouped according to their ORL subspecialties. The overall MARS score of the ten most popular apps in each category was 3.65 out of 5. A total of 636 articles were identified in the literature, and 193 were included. The mean adherence percentage of the articles to the STROBE checklist was of 84.37%. Conclusions: Although the apps currently available need further development, their application in ORL appears promising. Further dialogue between physicians and patients, as well as formal support from professional and scientific associations, should be encouraged.

scholarly journals Review of the Content and Quality of Mobile Applications About Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 601-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seul Ki Choi ◽  
Brooks Yelton ◽  
Victor K. Ezeanya ◽  
Kristie Kannaley ◽  
Daniela B. Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Technical Functions ◽  
Public Collaboration

This study reviewed the content of mobile applications (apps) providing Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD) information and assessed quality of the apps. Characteristics, content, and technical aspects of 36 apps in the U.S. Google Play Store and App Store were coded, and quality of the apps was evaluated using the Mobile Application Rating Scale. Caregiving (62.1%) and disease management (55.6%) content was frequently provided. Few apps had an app community (8.3%) or a reminder function (8.3%). Overall, quality of the apps was acceptable; apps by health care–related developers had higher quality scores than those by non-health care–related developers. This analysis showed that ADRD-related apps provide a range of content and have potential to benefit caregivers, individuals with ADRD, health care providers, and the general public. Collaboration of ADRD experts and technology experts is needed to provide evidence-based information using effective technical functions that make apps to meet users’ needs.

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