Analysis of Publicly Available German Mobile Apps for Psoriasis Patients using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Lull ◽  
Jan Alwin von Ahnen ◽  
Georg Groß ◽  
Victor Olsavszky ◽  
Johannes Knitza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Main Function ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Erythematous Plaques ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The visibility of the erythematous plaques on the skin as well as the pain and itch caused by the skin lesions frequently leads to psychological distress in patients. Smartphone apps are widespread, easily accessible and could effectively complement current management strategies of psoriasis patients. OBJECTIVE To systematically identify and objectively assess the quality of currently publicly available German apps for psoriasis patients and compile brief, ready-to-use app descriptions. METHODS We conducted a systematic search and assessment of German apps for psoriasis patients available in the Google Play and Apple App Store. The identified apps were randomly assigned to and independently rated using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) by three reviewers. Apps were ranked accordingly to their mean MARS rating and the highest ranked app was evaluated independently by two psoriasis patients using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). App information, including origin, main function and technical aspects and was congregated. RESULTS In total, we were able to identify 95 different apps for psoriasis, of which 15 were available in both app stores, 5 were not specifically intended for psoriasis patients and 1 was designed for clinical trials only. Consequently, the remaining nine apps were included in the final evaluation. Mean MARS score varied between 3.51 and 4.18. The app with the highest mean MARS score was “Psoriasis Helferin” (4.18/5) . When rated by patients, the app was rated lower in all MARS subcategories, resulting in a mean uMARS score of 3.48. CONCLUSIONS App quality was heterogenous and only a minority of identified apps was available in both app stores. The discrepant patient results highlight the importance of involving patients when developing and evaluating health apps. CLINICALTRIAL Deutsches Register klinische Studien (DRKS): DRKS00020963

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.

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

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

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

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.

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 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 Smartphone Applications for Period Tracking: Rating and Behavioral Change among Women Users

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Reema A. Karasneh ◽  
Sayer I. Al-Azzam ◽  
Karem H. Alzoubi ◽  
Suhaib M. Muflih ◽  
Sahar S. Hawamdeh
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Review Period ◽  
Related Symptom ◽  
Multiple Symptoms ◽  
Google Play

Background. The use of mobile apps for health and well-being has grown exponentially in the last decade, as such apps were reported to be ideal platforms for behavioral change and symptoms monitoring and management. Objective. This study aimed to systematically review period tracking applications available at Google Play and Apple App Stores and determine the presence, features, and quality of these smartphone apps. In addition, behavioral changes associated with the top 5 rated apps were assessed. Methods. This study used the Systematic Search Criteria through Google Play Store and iTunes Apple Store, using terms related to period tracking. Apps were scanned for matching the inclusion criteria and the included apps were assessed by two reviewers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), a tool that was developed for classifying and assessing the quality of mHealth apps. Results. Forty-nine apps met the inclusion criteria. Most of the apps enabled setting user goals, motivations, and interactivity, tracking multiple symptoms or mood changes, allowed notifications, and used graphs to illustrate the tracking result over a specific period of time. The majority of features and functions within these apps were offered for free, while some apps included limited in-app purchases or needed Internet connection to function. Certain apps were reported by participants to promote behavioral change and increase knowledge and awareness regarding monthly periods. Conclusions. Period tracking apps were easy to use and navigate and can hence be readily adopted into routine tracking and management of periods. However, most apps were not based on significant evidence and may need further development to support period-related symptom management.

scholarly journals Mobile Fitness and Weight Management Apps: Protocol for a Quality Evaluation (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madison Milne-Ives ◽  
Ching Lam ◽  
Michelle van Velthoven ◽  
Edward Meinert
Keyword(s):  
Weight Management ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
The Past ◽  
Mobile Health Apps ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Obesity is a contributing factor for many noncommunicable diseases and a growing problem worldwide. Many mobile apps have been developed to help users improve their fitness and weight management behaviors. However, the speed at which apps are created and updated means that it is important to periodically assess their quality. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of fitness and weight management mobile health apps using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). It will also describe the features of the included apps and compare the results to a previous evaluation conducted in 2015. METHODS Searches for “fitness,” “weight,” “exercise,” “physical activity,” “diet,” “eat*,” and “food” will be conducted in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Apps that have been updated over the past 5 years will be included. Two reviewers will rate the apps’ quality using the MARS objective and subjective quality subscales. Interrater reliability will also be assessed. Features included in high-quality apps will be assessed, and changes in quality, features, and behavior change techniques made during the past 5 years will be described. RESULTS The results will be included in the evaluation paper, which we aim to publish in 2020. CONCLUSIONS This evaluation will assess the quality of currently available fitness and weight management apps. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/17685

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 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.

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