Abstract
BackgroundThe spread of technology and dissemination of knowledge across the World Wide Web has prompted the development of apps for American Sign Language (ASL) translation, interpretation, and syntax recognition. There is limited literature regarding the quality, effectiveness, and appropriateness of mobile health (mHealth) apps for the deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHOH) that pose to aid the DHOH in their everyday communication and activities. Other than the star-rating system with minimal comments regarding quality, the evaluation metrics used to rate mobile apps are commonly subjective.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of DHOH apps using a standardized scale. In addition, it also aimed to identify content-specific criteria to improve the evaluation process by using a content expert, and to use the content expert to more accurately evaluate apps and features supporting the DHOH.MethodsA list of potential apps for evaluation was generated after a preliminary screening for apps related to the DHOH. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed to refine the master list of apps. The study modified a standardized rating scale with additional content-specific criteria applicable to the DHOH population for app evaluation. This was accomplished by including a DHOH content expert in the design of content-specific criteria.ResultsThe results indicate a clear distinction in Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) scores among apps within the study’s three app categories: ASL translators (highest score=3.72), speech-to-text (highest score=3.6), and hard-of-hearing assistants (highest score=3.90). Of the 217 apps obtained from the search criteria, 21 apps met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Furthermore, the limited consideration for measures specific to the target population along with a high app turnover rate suggests opportunities for improved app effectiveness and evaluation.ConclusionsAs more mHealth apps enter the market for the DHOH population, more criteria-based evaluation is needed to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the apps for the intended users. Evaluation of population-specific mHealth apps can benefit from content-specific measurement criteria developed by a content expert in the field.
Highlights
BackgroundThe continuous growth of mobile phone technology opens new opportunities for mobile health apps
One outcome not expected was the high level of app turnover noted in the American Sign Language (ASL) translator section
The study was left with a reasonable distribution of apps to evaluate, it should be noted that the high level of app turnover serves as a general reflection of the state of hard-of-hearing apps
Summary
BackgroundThe continuous growth of mobile phone technology opens new opportunities for mobile health (mHealth) apps. In 2018, there were approximately 205.4 billion mobile apps downloaded worldwide, with a forecasted growth to 258.2 billion by 2022 [3] This emerging technology can create a more inclusive and accessible environment for the deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHOH) population, representing more than 7 million Americans or over 2% of the US population [4,5]. The study modified a standardized rating scale with additional content-specific criteria applicable to the DHOH population for app evaluation. This was accomplished by including a DHOH content expert in the design of content-specific criteria. Evaluation of population-specific mHealth apps can benefit from content-specific measurement criteria developed by a content expert in the field
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