JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect underserved populations, with snakebite envenoming (SBE) remaining one of the most overlooked, despite its significant global burden. Digital health applications (DHAs) offer potential to improve prevention, care, and resource management, especially when integrated into digital health interventions. However, despite growing interest, evidence and structured evaluations are limited, making it difficult to assess their impact without a clear overview of existing tools.

Objective:

This scoping review aims to provide the first comprehensive mapping of DHAs for SBE, highlighting their potential to strengthen WHO’s strategy while underscoring the urgent need for structured evaluation, improved quality, and strategic integration to enhance prevention, treatment, and coordination efforts.

Methods:

This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with a protocol registered on the Open Science Framework. We searched PubMed, app stores, and Google for DHAs between September 24 and 26, 2024, addressing snakebite prevention or treatment. To be included, the app had to be accessible via the recorded link, contain a description with snakebite-related features (e.g., identification, first aid, treatment), and allow user interaction. Descriptions had to appear in abstracts, app store listings, or website text. Results were grouped by type (mobile- or web-based) and by WHO region. Further, we examined the two most common features: first aid and snake identification. First aid content was benchmarked against global guidelines, while identification methods were categorized, and selected AI-based identification apps were tested using images of medically significant snakes.

Results:

Fifty-two eligible results were included, of which 49 (94.2%) were mobile applications and 3 (5.8%) were web-based. Regional focus varied, with most apps targeting South-East Asia (n=11), the Americas (n=9), and the Western Pacific (n=5). However, these numbers largely reflect concentration in just a few countries namely India (n=10), the United States (n=5), and Australia (n=5). The most frequent feature was snake identification support, e.g. through photo upload and algorithm-based recognition. However, AI-driven identification often lacked clarity and performed inconsistently in testing. First aid guidance was also common, but only a handful of apps offered comprehensive, evidence-based advice, while others omitted key steps or recommended unsafe practices.

Conclusions:

This review provides the first structured evaluation of DHAs for SBE and offers a reproducible framework for assessing digital solutions across NTDs. By highlighting key gaps and proposing a foundation for integration into national strategies, it supports the development of equitable, evidence-based digital health innovation in underserved areas.