Abstract
BackgroundMore than a million health and well-being apps are available from the Apple and Google app stores. Some apps use built-in mobile phone sensors to generate health data. Clinicians and patients can find information regarding safe and effective mobile health (mHealth) apps in third party–curated mHealth app libraries.ObjectiveThese independent Web-based repositories guide app selection from trusted lists, but do they offer apps using ubiquitous, low-cost smartphone sensors to improve health? This study aimed to identify the types of built-in mobile phone sensors used in apps listed on curated health app libraries, the range of health conditions these apps address, and the cross-platform availability of the apps.MethodsThis systematic survey reviewed three such repositories (National Health Service Apps Library, AppScript, and MyHealthApps), assessing the availability of apps using built-in mobile phone sensors for the diagnosis or treatment of health conditions.ResultsA total of 18 such apps were identified and included in this survey, representing 1.1% (8/699) to 3% (2/76) of all apps offered by the respective libraries examined. About one-third (7/18, 39%) of the identified apps offered cross-platform Apple and Android versions, with a further 50% (9/18) only dedicated to Apple and 11% (2/18) to Android. About one-fourth (4/18, 22%) of the identified apps offered dedicated diagnostic functions, with a majority featuring therapeutic (9/18, 50%) or combined functionality (5/18, 28%). Cameras, touch screens, and microphones were the most frequently used built-in sensors. Health concerns addressed by these apps included respiratory, dermatological, neurological, and anxiety conditions.ConclusionsDiligent mHealth app library curation, medical device regulation constraints, and cross-platform differences in mobile phone sensor architectures may all contribute to the observed limited availability of mHealth apps using built-in phone sensors in curated mHealth app libraries. However, more efforts are needed to increase the number of such apps on curated lists, as they offer easily accessible low-cost options to assist people in managing clinical conditions.
Highlights
BackgroundWith origins in the early 1990s and the inception of devices such as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator, early smartphone devices offered untethered mobile telephony, augmented by a humble suite of modular apps to extend basic phone functionality, the smart moniker in smartphone [1,2]
Diligent mobile health (mHealth) app library curation, medical device regulation constraints, and cross-platform differences in mobile phone sensor architectures may all contribute to the observed limited availability of mHealth apps using built-in phone sensors in curated mHealth app libraries
A total of 1200 apps listed in the three selected curated mHealth app repositories were identified (Figure 1)
Summary
BackgroundWith origins in the early 1990s and the inception of devices such as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator, early smartphone devices offered untethered mobile telephony, augmented by a humble suite of modular apps to extend basic phone functionality, the smart moniker in smartphone [1,2]. 3 billion people worldwide use smartphones [3]. Of the estimated 4.5 million apps available in the Google and Apple app stores, a million collectively pertain to health, fitness, nutrition, and well-being in general [5,6]. Acknowledged by the World Health Organization in 2011, mHealth is defined as medical and public health practices supported by mobile devices, such as mobile phones, patient-monitoring devices, personal digital assistants, and other devices such as wearables [8]. More than 500 million people worldwide are believed to have downloaded one or more mHealth apps to their mobile phone [9]. More than a million health and well-being apps are available from the Apple and Google app stores. Some apps use built-in mobile phone sensors to generate health data. Clinicians and patients can find information regarding safe and effective mobile health (mHealth) apps in third party–curated mHealth app libraries
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
