JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Smartphone applications (apps) are increasingly being used to aid in hypertension self-management, and a large and ever-growing number of self-management apps have been commercially released. However, very few of these are potentially effective and secure, and researchers have yet to establish the suitability of specific hypertension apps to particular contexts.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify the most suitable hypertension app in the context of Saudi Arabia and its health system.

Methods:

This study used a two-stage approach to selecting the most suitable app for hypertension self-management. First, a systematic selection approach was followed to identify a shortlist of the most suitable apps, according to the criteria of potential effectiveness, theoretical underpinning, and privacy and security. Second, an exploratory qualitative study was conducted to select the most suitable from the shortlist. Twelve doctors were interviewed, and twenty-two patients participated in four focus-groups. These explored participants’ attitudes towards self-management apps in general, and their views towards the apps identified via the systematic selection process. The qualitative data were analysed using Framework analysis.

Results:

In the first stage, only five apps were found to be potentially effective whilst also having theoretical underpinning and protecting users’ data. In the second stage, both doctors and patients were generally interested in using hypertension apps but most had no experience with these apps, due to a lack of awareness of their availability and suitability. Patients and doctors liked apps that combine intuitive interfaces with pleasant and clear visual design, in-depth features (e.g., colour-coded feedback accompanied with textual explanations), activity-specific reminders and educational content regarding hypertension and potential complications. When the pros and cons of the five apps were discussed, three apps were identified as being more suitable, with ‘Cora health’ rated highest by the participants.

Conclusions:

Only five apps were deemed potentially effective and secure. Patients’ and doctors’ discussions of these five apps’ pros and cons revealed that three out of the five are clearly more suitable, with ‘Cora health’ being judged most suitable overall.