Smartphone Apps for Diabetes Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam ◽  
Vinaytosh Mishra ◽  
Muhammad Umer Siddiqui ◽  
Jeban Chandir Moses ◽  
Sasan Adibi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Physiological Factors ◽  
Diabetes Medication ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Adherence To Medication

BACKGROUND Diabetes is one of the leading noncommunicable chronic diseases globally. Since there is no cure, blood glucose levels need to be monitored regularly and managed. In addition, patients must live a healthy lifestyle and use regular medication to maintain their health and wellbeing. However, various factors contribute to poor adherence to medication. OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically review and evaluate applications (apps) available for diabetes medication adherence, identify and analyze high-quality apps that are freely available to the public in the Android and Apple app stores, and present the technical features of the apps. METHODS Applying predefined selection criteria, we systematically searched the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for apps to assist in diabetes medication adherence. We assessed high-quality apps using the Mobile App Rating Scale. Apps that achieved a total mean quality score greater than 4 out of 5 in our study were considered high quality. RESULTS We selected eight apps for analysis in this study and discussed them in detail under three main categories: characteristics of the included apps, app features, and diabetes medication adherence. We formulated a task-technology fit matrix to evaluate the apps for diabetes medication adherence. On evaluation, we observed that 25% of the apps promoted high adherence and another 25% of the apps promoted moderate adherence. Finally, we found that 50% of the apps provided low adherence to diabetes medication. CONCLUSIONS Our framework to evaluate smartphone apps in promoting diabetes medication adherence considered physiological factors influencing diabetes and app features. Therefore, our findings could have positive implications for the design and development of apps for diabetes patients. Additionally, available apps can be evaluated according to our framework, and those promoting higher medication adherence could be prescribed for better health outcomes.

scholarly journals Smartphone Apps Targeting Physical Activity in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Quality Appraisal and Content Analysis

10.2196/18495 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e18495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay M Bearne ◽  
Mandeep Sekhon ◽  
Rebecca Grainger ◽  
Anthony La ◽  
Mehrdad Shamali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Information Support ◽  
World Health ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
High Quality ◽  
App Store ◽  
Google Play

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling, inflammatory joint condition affecting 0.5%-1% of the global population. Physical activity (PA) and exercise are recommended for people with RA, but uptake and adherence tend to be low. Smartphone apps could assist people with RA to achieve PA recommendations. However, it is not known whether high quality, evidence-informed PA apps that include behavior change techniques (BCTs) previously identified as effective for PA adherence are available for people with RA. Objective This study aims to systematically identify apps that include goals to facilitate PA for adults with RA and assess app quality and content for the inclusion of relevant BCTs against recommendations for cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor PA and exercise. Methods A systematic search of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the United Kingdom was conducted to identify English language apps that promote PA for adults with RA. Two researchers independently assessed app quality (mobile app rating scale [MARS]; range 0-5) and content (BCT Taxonomy version 1, World Health Organization, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the European League against Rheumatism recommendations for PA). The completeness of reporting of PA prescription was evaluated using a modified version of the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT; range 0-14). Results A total of 14,047 apps were identified. Following deduplication, 2737 apps were screened for eligibility; 6 apps were downloaded (2 on the Apple App Store and 4 on the Google Play Store), yielding 4 unique apps. App quality varied (MARS score 2.25-4.17). Only 1 app was congruent with all aspects of the PA recommendations. All apps completely or partially recommended flexibility and resistance exercises, 3 apps completely or partially advised some form of neuromotor exercise, but only 2 offered full or partial guidance on cardiorespiratory exercise. Completeness of exercise reporting was mixed (CERT scores 7-14 points) and 3-7 BCTs were identified. Two BCTs were common to all apps (information about health consequences and instruction on how to perform behavior). Higher quality apps included a greater number of BCTs and were more closely aligned to PA guidance. No published trials evaluating the effect of the included apps were identified. Conclusions This review identifies 4 PA apps of mixed quality and content for use by people with RA. Higher quality apps were more closely aligned to PA guidance and included a greater number of BCTs. One high-quality app (Rheumatoid Arthritis Information Support and Education) included 7 BCTs and was fully aligned with PA and exercise guidance. The effect of apps on PA adherence should be established before implementation.

scholarly journals Smartphone Apps Targeting Physical Activity in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Quality Appraisal and Content Analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay M Bearne ◽  
Mandeep Sekhon ◽  
Rebecca Grainger ◽  
Anthony La ◽  
Mehrdad Shamali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Information Support ◽  
World Health ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
High Quality ◽  
App Store ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling, inflammatory joint condition affecting 0.5%-1% of the global population. Physical activity (PA) and exercise are recommended for people with RA, but uptake and adherence tend to be low. Smartphone apps could assist people with RA to achieve PA recommendations. However, it is not known whether high quality, evidence-informed PA apps that include behavior change techniques (BCTs) previously identified as effective for PA adherence are available for people with RA. OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically identify apps that include goals to facilitate PA for adults with RA and assess app quality and content for the inclusion of relevant BCTs against recommendations for cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor PA and exercise. METHODS A systematic search of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the United Kingdom was conducted to identify English language apps that promote PA for adults with RA. Two researchers independently assessed app quality (mobile app rating scale [MARS]; range 0-5) and content (BCT Taxonomy version 1, World Health Organization, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the European League against Rheumatism recommendations for PA). The completeness of reporting of PA prescription was evaluated using a modified version of the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT; range 0-14). RESULTS A total of 14,047 apps were identified. Following deduplication, 2737 apps were screened for eligibility; 6 apps were downloaded (2 on the Apple App Store and 4 on the Google Play Store), yielding 4 unique apps. App quality varied (MARS score 2.25-4.17). Only 1 app was congruent with all aspects of the PA recommendations. All apps completely or partially recommended flexibility and resistance exercises, 3 apps completely or partially advised some form of neuromotor exercise, but only 2 offered full or partial guidance on cardiorespiratory exercise. Completeness of exercise reporting was mixed (CERT scores 7-14 points) and 3-7 BCTs were identified. Two BCTs were common to all apps (information about health consequences and instruction on how to perform behavior). Higher quality apps included a greater number of BCTs and were more closely aligned to PA guidance. No published trials evaluating the effect of the included apps were identified. CONCLUSIONS This review identifies 4 PA apps of mixed quality and content for use by people with RA. Higher quality apps were more closely aligned to PA guidance and included a greater number of BCTs. One high-quality app (Rheumatoid Arthritis Information Support and Education) included 7 BCTs and was fully aligned with PA and exercise guidance. The effect of apps on PA adherence should be established before implementation.

scholarly journals T217. MEDICATION ADHERENCE AND ITS CORRELATES AMONG PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT SCHIZOPHRENIA: A LARGE-SCALE STUDY IN CHINA

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S315-S315
Author(s):  
Brendan Ross ◽  
Dongfang Wang ◽  
Chang Xi ◽  
Yunzhi Pan ◽  
Li Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Antipsychotic Medication ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Good Adherence ◽  
Acute Period ◽  
Adherence To Medication

Abstract Background The Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) is a rapid, non-intrusive way of measuring adherence to medication in order to improve management of patients with schizophrenia. The current study evaluated the reliability of the Chinese (Mandarin) version of the MARS and explored clinical and demographic correlates to medication adherence in a large sample of patients with recurrent schizophrenia in China. Methods 1198 patients with recurrent schizophrenia were recruited from 37 different hospitals in 17 provinces/municipalities of China and evaluated with the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), Clinical Global Impression-Severity of illness (CGI-S) and Sheehan Disability Scale-Chinese version (SDS-C). Socio-demographic data included gender, age, marital status, education level, employment status and living with others or alone. Clinical data included duration of illness, number of relapses, and medication use, as well as current stage of disease evaluated by SCID. Pearson correlations were used to examine associations between MARS, socio-demographic, and clinical characteristics. Independent sample T-tests were used to compare MARS score between different socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Finally, a cut-off score of 6 on the MARS (ranged from 1 to 10) was used to divide the sample into two groups (i.e. MARS score≥ 6 identified good adherence and MARS score< 6 indicated poor adherence). Bivariate logistic regression models with the two groups (MARS score<6 and MARS score≥6) as the dependent variable was used to identify influencing factors of medication adherence. Data processing and analyses were conducted on SPSS 22.0 and Mplus 7.4. Results The MARS showed good internal consistency and psychometric properties. MARS outcomes varied by demographic and clinical characteristics; only 28.5% recurrent schizophrenia patients met the criteria of good adherence to antipsychotic medication. Findings indicated older age (OR=1.04, 95%CI=1.02–1.06), unsteady income (OR=1.79, 95%CI=1.29–2.49), acute period (OR=4.23, 95%CI=3.21–5.59) and a higher CGI-S score (OR=1.44, 95%CI=1.03–2.01) had significantly predictive effects on poor medication adherence. MARS demonstrated good reliability in our sample (Cronbach’s α =0.83; Spearman-Brown = 0.72). Discussion This study of the MARS is unique for a few reasons. First, comparative reports on MARS use in mainland China have not been published internationally; similar tests on reliability and correlation have only been reported in Hong Kong and Taiwan (Hui et al., 2006; Kao and Liu, 2010). Second, in considering demographic and clinical correlates of medication adherence in patients with recurrent schizophrenia, our MARS study broadly represents China with 17 of 27 provinces/municipalities reporting data from multiple geographic regions, with the participation of hundreds of psychiatrists across China. Only 28.5% recurrent schizophrenia patients met the criteria of good adherence to antipsychotic medication in this study. Low levels of good medication adherence in schizophrenia patients are found across Asia, with 27% in Korea meeting the criteria of good adherence (Kim et al., 2006) and 26% in Hong Kong (Hui et al., 2006). Overall MARS total score in our study (3.68 ±2.90) is comparably lower to that of developed countries, as MARS total score had a mean of 6.0 to 7.7 in a UK sample (Fialko et al., 2008; Jaeger et al., 2012), and 5.5 for schizophrenia patients in France (Zemmour et al., 2016). Medication adherence of patients affected by recurrent schizophrenia in China was found to be relatively low. Risk factors for non-adherence to medication in recurrent schizophrenia patients include older age, unsteady income, acute period and severity of illness.

scholarly journals Measuring the Quality of Clinical Skills Mobile Apps for Student Learning: Systematic Search, Analysis, and Comparison of Two Measurement Scales (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tehmina Gladman ◽  
Grace Tylee ◽  
Steve Gallagher ◽  
Jonathan Mair ◽  
Rebecca Grainger
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
High Quality

BACKGROUND Mobile apps are widely used in health professions, which increases the need for simple methods to determine the quality of apps. In particular, teachers need the ability to curate high-quality mobile apps for student learning. OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically search for and evaluate the quality of clinical skills mobile apps as learning tools. The quality of apps meeting the specified criteria was evaluated using two measures—the widely used Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), which measures general app quality, and the Mobile App Rubric for Learning (MARuL), a recently developed instrument that measures the value of apps for student learning—to assess whether MARuL is more effective than MARS in identifying high-quality apps for learning. METHODS Two mobile app stores were systematically searched using clinical skills terms commonly found in medical education and apps meeting the criteria identified using an approach based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 9 apps were identified during the screening process. The apps were rated independently by 2 reviewers using MARS and MARuL. RESULTS The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the 2 raters using MARS and MARuL were the same (MARS ICC [two-way]=0.68; <i>P</i>&lt;.001 and MARuL ICC [two-way]=0.68; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Of the 9 apps, Geeky Medics-OSCE revision (MARS Android=3.74; MARS iOS=3.68; MARuL Android=75; and MARuL iOS=73) and OSCE PASS: Medical Revision (MARS Android=3.79; MARS iOS=3.71; MARuL Android=69; and MARuL iOS=73) scored highly on both measures of app quality and for both Android and iOS. Both measures also showed agreement for the lowest rated app, Patient Education Institute (MARS Android=2.21; MARS iOS=2.11; MARuL Android=18; and MARuL iOS=21.5), which had the lowest scores in all categories except information (MARS) and professional (MARuL) in both operating systems. MARS and MARuL were both able to differentiate between the highest and lowest quality apps; however, MARuL was better able to differentiate apps based on teaching and learning quality. CONCLUSIONS This systematic search and rating of clinical skills apps for learning found that the quality of apps was highly variable. However, 2 apps—Geeky Medics-OSCE revision and OSCE PASS: Medical Revision—rated highly for both versions and with both quality measures. MARS and MARuL showed similar abilities to differentiate the quality of the 9 apps. However, MARuL’s incorporation of teaching and learning elements as part of a multidimensional measure of quality may make it more appropriate for use with apps focused on teaching and learning, whereas MARS’s more general rating of quality may be more appropriate for health apps targeting a general health audience. Ratings of the 9 apps by both measures also highlighted the variable quality of clinical skills mobile apps for learning. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Analysis of Secure Apps for Daily Clinical Use by German Orthopedic Surgeons: Searching for the "Needle in a Haystack" (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Dittrich ◽  
Sascha Beck ◽  
Anna Katharina Harren ◽  
Felix Reinecke ◽  
Sebastian Serong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Clinical Routine ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
App Store ◽  
Orthopedic Surgeons ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Mobile Health Apps

BACKGROUND It is undeniable that appropriate smartphone apps offer enormous opportunities for dealing with future challenges in orthopedic surgery and public health, in general. However, it is still unclear how the apps currently available in the two major app stores can be used in daily clinical routine by German orthopedic surgeons. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to gain evidence regarding the quantity and quality of apps available in the two major app stores and their suitability for use by orthopedic surgeons in Germany. METHODS We conducted a systematic, keyword-based app store screening to obtain evidence concerning the quantity and quality of commercially available apps. Apps that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated using the <i>app synopsis–checklist for users</i> and the German Mobile App Rating Scale for secure use, trustworthiness, and quality. RESULTS The investigation revealed serious shortcomings regarding legal and medical aspects. Furthermore, most apps turned out to be useless and unsuitable for the clinical field of application (4242/4249, 99.84%). Finally, 7 trustworthy and high-quality apps (7/4249, 0.16%) offering secure usage in the daily clinical routine of orthopedists were identified. These apps mainly focused on education (5/7). None of them were CE (Conformité Européenne) certified. Moreover, there are no studies providing evidence that these apps have any positive use whatsoever. CONCLUSIONS The data obtained in our study suggest that the number of trustworthy and high-quality apps on offer is extremely low. Nowadays, finding appropriate apps in the fast-moving, complex, dynamic, and rudimentarily controlled app stores is most challenging. Promising approaches, for example, systematic app store screenings, app-rating developments, reviews or app libraries, and the creation of consistent standards have been established. However, further efforts are necessary to ensure that these innovative mobile health apps not only provide the correct information but are also safe to use in daily clinical practice.

scholarly journals A content analysis of the quality and behaviour change techniques of smartphone apps promoting the Mediterranean diet

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel McAleese ◽  
Angeliki Papadaki
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Subjective Quality ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractThe popularity of smartphone apps is rising globally. However, the quality of widely available health apps and their effectiveness to promote behaviour change, by incorporating behavioural change techniques (BCTs) that have been suggested to result in behaviour change, is questionable. The aim of this study was to conduct a content analysis of smartphone apps that utilise the Mediterranean diet (MD), a dietary pattern linked to numerous health benefits, to promote healthy dietary behaviours. The specific objectives were to evaluate the quality of these apps and their use of BCTs. The iTunes Store and Google Play were searched for all available apps (free and requiring payment to download) promoting the MD. Apps were excluded if they were not available in English, did not focus only on the MD or the download process was corrupt. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) was used to assess app engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information quality (the average of which represents a quality mean score (QMS)) and subjective quality. The Abraham & Michie behaviour change taxonomy was adapted to create a 20-item checklist to assess the presence of BCTs in the eligible apps. Thirty nine apps (64.1% of which were free to download) were analysed. The overall QMS was 2.96 ± 0.46. The lowest and highest scored QMS constructs were engagement (2.42 ± 0.62) and functionality (3.95 ± 0.45), respectively, whilst the overall mean subjective quality score was 1.71 ± 0.51 (scores’ range 1–5). Apps were scored higher for aesthetics if they required payment (3.14 vs. 2.78, p = 0.047). Apps incorporated an average of 3.10 ± 1.87 BCTs, with no difference in the number of BCTs present according to platform or cost. From the five BCTs that have been suggested to promote behaviour change, ‘self-monitoring’ was present in six apps, ‘intention formation’ in 15 and ‘goal setting’ in one. None of the apps incorporated the ‘review of behavioural goals’ and ‘feedback on performance’ BCTs. The total QMS score was positively associated with the presence of BCTs (r = 0.409, p = 0.008). Based on the MARS assessment, apps promoting the MD that are available in the public domain were of moderate quality. In contrast, the low presence, particularly of efficacious, BCTs and low subjective quality scores suggest that apps are actually of poor quality and potentially not effective in promoting behaviour change towards an MD diet. These findings provide important insights for the future development of high-quality apps to promote the MD at population level.

scholarly journals Content and Quality of Infant Feeding Smartphone Apps: Five-Year Update on a Systematic Search and Evaluation

10.2196/17300 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. e17300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heilok Cheng ◽  
Alison Tutt ◽  
Catherine Llewellyn ◽  
Donna Size ◽  
Jennifer Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Formula Feeding ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Low Coverage

Background Parents use apps to access information on child health, but there are no standards for providing evidence-based advice, support, and information. Well-developed apps that promote appropriate infant feeding and play can support healthy growth and development. A 2015 systematic assessment of smartphone apps in Australia about infant feeding and play found that most apps had minimal information, with poor readability and app quality. Objective This study aimed to systematically evaluate the information and quality of smartphone apps providing information on breastfeeding, formula feeding, introducing solids, or infant play for consumers. Methods The Google Play store and Apple App Store were searched for free and paid Android and iPhone Operating System (iOS) apps using keywords for infant feeding, breastfeeding, formula feeding, and tummy time. The apps were evaluated between September 2018 and January 2019 for information content based on Australian guidelines, app quality using the 5-point Mobile App Rating Scale, readability, and suitability of health information. Results A total of 2196 unique apps were found and screened. Overall, 47 apps were evaluated, totaling 59 evaluations for apps across both the Android and iOS platforms. In all, 11 apps had affiliations to universities and health services as app developers, writers, or editors. Furthermore, 33 apps were commercially developed. The information contained within the apps was poor: 64% (38/59) of the evaluations found no or low coverage of information found in the Australian guidelines on infant feeding and activity, and 53% (31/59) of the evaluations found incomplete or incorrect information with regard to the depth of information provided. Subjective app assessment by health care practitioners on whether they would use, purchase, or recommend the app ranged from poor to acceptable (median 2.50). Objective assessment of the apps’ engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information was scored as acceptable (median 3.63). The median readability score for the apps was at the American Grade 8 reading level. The suitability of health information was rated superior or adequate for content, reading demand, layout, and interaction with the readers. Conclusions The quality of smartphone apps on infant feeding and activity was moderate based on the objective measurements of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information from a reliable source. The overall quality of information on infant feeding and activity was poor, indicated by low coverage of topics and incomplete or partially complete information. The key areas for improvement involved providing evidence-based information consistent with the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council’s Infant Feeding Guidelines. Apps supported and developed by health care professionals with adequate health service funding can ensure that parents are provided with credible and reliable resources.

scholarly journals Content and Quality of Infant Feeding Smartphone Apps: Five-Year Update on a Systematic Search and Evaluation (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heilok Cheng ◽  
Alison Tutt ◽  
Catherine Llewellyn ◽  
Donna Size ◽  
Jennifer Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Formula Feeding ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Low Coverage

BACKGROUND Parents use apps to access information on child health, but there are no standards for providing evidence-based advice, support, and information. Well-developed apps that promote appropriate infant feeding and play can support healthy growth and development. A 2015 systematic assessment of smartphone apps in Australia about infant feeding and play found that most apps had minimal information, with poor readability and app quality. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to systematically evaluate the information and quality of smartphone apps providing information on breastfeeding, formula feeding, introducing solids, or infant play for consumers. METHODS The Google Play store and Apple App Store were searched for free and paid Android and iPhone Operating System (iOS) apps using keywords for infant feeding, breastfeeding, formula feeding, and tummy time. The apps were evaluated between September 2018 and January 2019 for information content based on Australian guidelines, app quality using the 5-point Mobile App Rating Scale, readability, and suitability of health information. RESULTS A total of 2196 unique apps were found and screened. Overall, 47 apps were evaluated, totaling 59 evaluations for apps across both the Android and iOS platforms. In all, 11 apps had affiliations to universities and health services as app developers, writers, or editors. Furthermore, 33 apps were commercially developed. The information contained within the apps was poor: 64% (38/59) of the evaluations found no or low coverage of information found in the Australian guidelines on infant feeding and activity, and 53% (31/59) of the evaluations found incomplete or incorrect information with regard to the depth of information provided. Subjective app assessment by health care practitioners on whether they would use, purchase, or recommend the app ranged from poor to acceptable (median 2.50). Objective assessment of the apps’ engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information was scored as acceptable (median 3.63). The median readability score for the apps was at the American Grade 8 reading level. The suitability of health information was rated superior or adequate for content, reading demand, layout, and interaction with the readers. CONCLUSIONS The quality of smartphone apps on infant feeding and activity was moderate based on the objective measurements of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information from a reliable source. The overall quality of information on infant feeding and activity was poor, indicated by low coverage of topics and incomplete or partially complete information. The key areas for improvement involved providing evidence-based information consistent with the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council’s Infant Feeding Guidelines. Apps supported and developed by health care professionals with adequate health service funding can ensure that parents are provided with credible and reliable resources.

scholarly journals Assessing the Quality of skin Healthcare Mobile Apps: a systematic review and scoring using the MARS

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Woo ◽  
G h Kim ◽  
Y w Kim
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Quality Score ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Subjective Quality ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Simple Task ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
Assessment Scores ◽  
Static Correlation

Abstract Background With the number of skin healthcare-related apps users increasing, the selection of high-quality apps is not a simple task. The aim of this study was to (1)describe the content of available skin healthcare apps, (2)evaluate their objective quality regarding engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information and subjective quality. Methods The App Store and Google Play store were systematically searched to identify skin healthcare mobile apps for general population use. Eligible apps were downloaded and independently evaluated for quality by 4 reviewers using the Mobile App Rating Scale(MARS). The MARS is the only currently available tool that provides a comprehensive, multidimensional evaluation of app quality. MARS assesses the dimensions of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and subjective quality on 5-point scales. In addition, the correlation between MARS score and user score was analyzed. Results The overall 37 apps obtained a mean quality score of 2.77(SD.62). 'Trove skin(Android: 4.13)' received the highest score, while 'Complete Beauty Guides(Android: 1.8)' received the lowest score. User scores were found to have no significant correlation between overall quality scores through MARS and content scores(r= .240, p= .153)(r= .290, p= .081), the overall quality score through MARS and the Content Score were significant static correlation(r= .487, p= .002). Conclusions As the use, and introduction, of mobile apps continue to grow, it will become increasingly important for consumers to adopt high-quality apps. Understanding the effectiveness of high-quality apps compared with low-quality apps can make it easier and more accurate for consumers decisions about using related to skin healthcare apps. Furthermore, qualities of apps that ranked higher could be used to improve existing apps or help with the development of new ones. Key messages Consumers refer to the User Score when selecting skin healthcare-related apps. However, User Score was not correlated with MARS content quality assessment scores evaluated by experts. This study is a significant help that enables consumers to select good-quality skin healthcare apps by high-quality content information through MARS.

scholarly journals Severity Of Relapse And Medication Adherence In Patient Of Schizophrenia: A Study From Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-58
Author(s):  
P.M. Singh ◽  
S. Karmacharya ◽  
S. Khadka
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Relapse Rate ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
College Teaching ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adherent Patient ◽  
Adherence To Medication

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a clinical syndrome of variable, but profoundly disruptive psychopathology. Though it is one of the top ten illness contributing to global burden of disease, relapse rate in schizophrenia is high. Globally relapse rate varies from 50% to 92% and are similar in developed and developing countries. There are various factors associated with relapse, common being poor adherence to treatment. The estimated rate of non-adherence in schizophrenia are 50% widely ranging from 4% to 72%. This study was aimed to find the socio-demographic status of non-adherent group, contributing factors and their severity. Material and Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study among 95 schizophrenia relapsed patients seeking psychiatric inpatient services at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Attarkhel, Nepal from the period of Baisakh 3rd 2074 to Baisakh 4th 2075. The socio-demographic variables and clinical data of patients were recorded on proforma developed by department of Psychiatry. The severity of illness was assessed by using The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Also, medication adherence was assessed using Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). Results: Out of 95 relapsed patients, greater number (62.1%) were non-adherent to medication and (37.9%) were adherent to medication. Also, the symptom severity assessment showed significantly severe relapse in non-adherent patient group (43.1%) than adherent patient group (3.1%). Conclusion: Non-adherent to medication is associated with significantly severe relapse in patients of Schizophrenia. Therefore, improving adherence to medication can be achieved by focusing on the identified multitude of factors driving non-adherence.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document