JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life and it is undeniable that apps offer enormous opportunities for dealing with future challenges in public health. Nevertheless, the exact patient requirements for medical apps in the field of orthopedic and trauma surgery are currently unknown.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to define target groups, evaluate patient requirements, potentials and pitfalls regarding medical apps specific for orthopedic and trauma surgery.

Methods:

A prospective multicenter study was conducted between August 2018 and December 2019 at a German trauma center and 3 trauma surgery/orthopedic practices. A paper-based survey consisting of 15 questions evaluated information regarding smartphone and medical app usage behavior. In addition, suggested app functions were rated using Likert scales. Descriptive statistics and binary log-binomial regression was performed.

Results:

A total of 1,055 questionnaires were included in the statistical analysis. A total of 89.57 % owned a smartphone. Ownership probability decreased with every decade of life and increased with a higher level of education. Medical information was obtained via mobile web access by 62.65% of participants; this correlated similarly to ownership in regard to age and educational level. Only 11.18% reported previous medical app usage; 3.50% received an app recommendation from a physician. More than half (56.30%) were unwilling to pay for a medical app. The highest rated app functions were information about medication, behavioral guidelines and medical record archival. An improved treatment experience through suggested app features was reported by 71.18%.

Conclusions:

Mobile devices are a widely used source of information for medical content, but only a minority reports previous medical app usage. The main target group for medical apps in orthopedic and trauma surgery tends to be younger, what harbours the danger of excluding fringe groups especially the elderly. Education seems to be one of the most important pull factors to use smartphones or a mobile web connection to obtain health information. Medical apps, primarily focusing on an optimized patient education and flow of information, therefore seem to have the potential to support patients in health issues, at least in their subjective perception. For future target group-oriented app developments, further evidences on clinical application, feasibility, and acceptance of app usage are necessary, in order to avoid patient endangerment and limit socio-economic costs.