Abstract
BackgroundThe presence of mobile phone and smart devices has allowed for the use of mobile apps to support patient care. However, there is a paucity in our knowledge regarding recommendations for mobile apps specific to health care professionals.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to establish a validated instrument to assess mobile apps for health care providers and health systems. Our objective is to create and validate a tool that evaluates mobile health apps aimed at health care professionals based on a trust, utility, and interest scale.MethodsA five-step methodology framework guided our approach. The first step consisted of building a scale to evaluate apps for health care professionals based on a literature review. This was followed with expert panel validation through a Delphi method of (rated) web-based questionnaires to empirically evaluate the inclusion and weight of the indicators identified through the literature review. Repeated iterations were followed until a consensus greater than 75% was reached. The scale was then tested using a pilot to assess reliability. Interrater agreement of the pilot was measured using a weighted Cohen kappa.ResultsUsing a literature review, a first draft of the scale was developed. This was followed with two Delphi rounds between the local research group and an external panel of experts. After consensus was reached, the resulting ISYScore-Pro 17-item scale was tested. A total of 280 apps were originally identified for potential testing (140 iOS apps and 140 Android apps). These were categorized using International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. Once duplicates were removed and they were downloaded to confirm their specificity to the target audience (ie, health care professionals), 66 remained. Of these, only 18 met the final criteria for inclusion in validating the ISYScore-Pro scale (interrator reliabilty 92.2%; kappa 0.840, 95% CI 0.834-0.847; P<.001).ConclusionsWe have developed a reproducible methodology to objectively evaluate mobile health apps targeted to health care professionals and providers, the ISYScore-Pro scale. Future research will be needed to adapt the scale to other languages and across other domains (eg, legal compliance or security).
Highlights
Information and communication technologies offer countless opportunities for knowledge management
Once duplicates were removed and they were downloaded to confirm their specificity to the target audience, 66 remained
We have developed a reproducible methodology to objectively evaluate mobile health apps targeted to health care professionals and providers, the ISYScore-Pro scale
Summary
Information and communication technologies offer countless opportunities for knowledge management. In the health sector, where knowledge management is central to every process, the digitization of information has had an enormous impact. Health professionals are incorporating information technology into nearly every aspect of patient care and research. From the old paradigm in the concept of digital health—picturing increased accessibility, managing acute conditions, and facilitating communication between hospitals and health providers—towards a new scene where digital health is used for convenience services, management of patients with chronic or episodic disease, and for increased communication with patients, digital health enables the objective control of episodic and chronic conditions, and increased communication between providers and patients through their mobile devices. There is a paucity in our knowledge regarding recommendations for mobile apps specific to health care professionals
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