A Systematic Review of Smartphone Oral Contraceptive Reminder Applications

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate English-language Smartphone applications currently available to promote consistent oral contraceptive use. METHODS: Official mobile application platforms were searched using terms birth control the and contraception. For each application we collected: health care professionals involvement in application development download (purchase) cost average user rating reminder method(s) used safeguards in place to minimize chance of a user missing an alarm and whether reminder application worked as advertised. RESULTS: Thirty-nine oral contraceptive reminder applications were identified. Three applications (7.7%) documented a health care professionals involvement in application development. The download cost ranged from free to $3.99. The average user rating was 3.4 out of 5. The methods of reminder included: sound (n=31 [79%]) vibration (n=25 [64%]) popup (n=19 [49%]) and/or light-emitting diode notification (n=20 [51%]). Additional features to prevent missing a pill were: snooze reminders (n=16 [41%]) required acknowledgment before notice would clear from display (n=26 [67%]); and audio alarm that permitted reminder notice to override phones silent mode setting (n=20 [65%]). Eleven applications (28%) contained all of these safeguards. Seven of applications (18%) did not function when installed. CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone reminder applications may be useful as backup oral contraceptive reminder methods. As a result of potential to miss an alarm and lack of appropriate safeguards Smartphone applications should not be relied on as sole reminder to take a daily oral contraceptive. Oral contraceptive users could benefit from recommendations from health care professionals about highest performing applications.