The Barriers and Facilitators to the Use of Lifestyle Apps: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies.

Habiba Shabir,Benyamin Alam,Zain Mohiaddin,Daria Sadowska,Hamza Rashid,Zaeem Moti,Benita Cox,Matthew D’Costa

doi:10.3390/ejihpe12020012

Abstract

Background: Mobile-health applications are revolutionising the way healthcare is being delivered. However, current research focusses on apps aimed at monitoring of conditions rather than the prevention of disease. Healthcare apps that prevent disease can be classified as lifestyle apps (LAs) and encompass mindfulness, exercise, and diet apps. In order for widespread implementation of these apps, perspectives of the user must be taken into consideration. Therefore, this systematic literature review identifies the barriers and facilitators to the use of LAs from a user’s perspective. Objective: To both identify the facilitators to the use of LAs from a user perspective as well as identify the barriers to the use of LAs from a user perspective. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Qualitative articles focussed on a healthy non-diseased population were obtained. Two independent researchers coded the articles, and themes were identified. Results: Our results found that there were five barriers and five facilitators to app use. The facilitators included (1) motivational aspects to the user, (2) effective marketing and communication, (3) user-centred design and content, (4) humanising technology, and (5) accessibility. The five barriers identified were (1) a non-conducive, (2) poor marketing and branding, (3) controlling and invasive, (4) disengaging content, and (5) inaccessibility. Conclusions: By overcoming the barriers of LAs and encouraging the facilitators found, users are more likely to engage with this method of health promotion. Future research must be conducted on the barriers and facilitators to development and distribution of apps in order for LAs to be implemented in widespread healthcare practice.

Highlights

With 3.8 billion smartphone users worldwide [1], mHealth apps represent the largest and most‐significant manifestation of mHealth in the 21st century [2]. mHealth apps can be defined as “softwares that are incorporated into smartphones to improve health out‐
Tions channelled through laptops and computers, mHealth apps represent a cheaper and more‐accessible platform
Each article was assessed based on the CART framework [11] (Appendix A Table A2). This process is outlined below using the PRISMA flow chart (Figure 3)

Summary

Introduction

With 3.8 billion smartphone users worldwide [1], mHealth apps represent the largest and most‐significant manifestation of mHealth in the 21st century [2]. mHealth apps can be defined as “softwares that are incorporated into smartphones to improve health out‐come, health research, and health care services” [3]. MHealth apps can be defined as “softwares that are incorporated into smartphones to improve health out‐. There are various categories of mHealth apps in healthcare practice. Current research focusses on apps aimed at monitoring of conditions rather than the prevention of disease. Healthcare apps that prevent disease can be classified as lifestyle apps (LAs) and encompass mindfulness, exercise, and diet apps. Mentation of these apps, perspectives of the user must be taken into consideration. This systematic literature review identifies the barriers and facilitators to the use of LAs from a user’s perspective.

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion