Previously submitted to: JMIR mHealth and uHealth (no longer under consideration since Jun 17, 2022)
Date Submitted: May 23, 2022
Open Peer Review Period: May 23, 2022 - Jul 18, 2022
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German Mobile Apps for Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: Systematic Search in App Stores and Content Analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic musculoskeletal disease. Functional limitations result in significant patient burden. The usage of smartphone apps to complement medical treatments could increase patients’ adherence to treatment resulting in a better clinical outcome and consequently increased quality of life.
Objective:
We assessed and compared currently available smartphone apps for PsA patients using a standardized rating scale.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic screening of apps for PsA patients in German App Stores and selected apps meeting inclusion criteria: availability in both app stores,German or English language, relevant for patients with psoriatic arthritis, not developed for congress usage or clinical studies, no fee-based apps. Three reviewers evaluated apps using the Mobile Application Rating Scale. Analysis included technical features and mean scores as well as interrater agreement and linear regression. The best-rated app was then rated by PsA patients.
Results:
Among 232 screened apps, 8 met all inclusion criteria. The app “Rheuma-Auszeit” scored highest with an HCP MARS rating of 4.4 and a lower patient uMARS rating of 3.7. Subjective quality was lower for all apps. App store star ratings and MARS ratings were not significantly correlated (P=0.34). No app was CE certified and no underlying clinical studies could be identified.
Conclusions:
App quality was heterogenous and generally low. Star ratings – as the only accessible tool for patients – does not suffice to identify high-quality apps. We suggest patients be involved in development of apps. Since patients and physicians have different perceptions of app quality, we recommend a joint development and evaluation process. Clinical Trial: Deutsches Register klinische Studien (DRKS): DRKS00020963
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