Apple App Store Research Articles

Real-world data using mHealth apps in rhinitis, rhinosinusitis and their multimorbidities.

Digital health is an umbrella term which encompasses eHealth and benefits from areas such as advanced computer sciences. eHealth includes mHealth apps, which offer the potential to redesign aspects of healthcare delivery. The capacity of apps to collect large amounts of longitudinal, real-time, real-world data enables the progression of biomedical knowledge. Apps for rhinitis and rhinosinusitis were searched for in the Google Play and Apple App stores, via an automatic market research tool recently developed using JavaScript. Over 1500 apps for allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis were identified, some dealing with multimorbidity. However, only six apps for rhinitis (AirRater, AllergyMonitor, AllerSearch, Husteblume, MASK-air and Pollen App) and one for rhinosinusitis (Galenus Health) have so far published results in the scientific literature. These apps were reviewed for their validation, discovery of novel allergy phenotypes, optimisation of identifying the pollen season, novel approaches in diagnosis and management (pharmacotherapy and allergen immunotherapy) as well as adherence to treatment. Published evidence demonstrates the potential of mobile health apps to advance in the characterisation, diagnosis and management of rhinitis and rhinosinusitis patients.

ODP160 ADCES7 Guidelines and Free Diabetes Apps: Do They Help Our Patients?

Abstract Background In 2020, 34.2 million US adults had diabetes and 88 million had pre-diabetes. 1 The ADCES7 guidelines are aimed at self-care and use 7 criteria: Healthy Coping, Healthy Eating, Being Active, Taking Medication, Monitoring, Reducing Risk, and Problem Solving. 2 Purpose: Do Diabetes Apps Fulfill ADCES7 Guidelines to Meet Patient Needs? Methods: We used the search term "diabetes" in the Google Play store (Android/AD) and Apple App store (iOS) to compile a list of the most popular, free Android and iOS apps. Inclusion criteria: Free, English language,>100,000 Android downloads(DL),>1,600 iOS reviews(RE). iOS apps only provide the number of reviews and no download data. ADCES7 Parameters: 1) Goal setting; 2) Calorie counting; 3) Nutrition education; 4) Exercise reminder; 5) Medication reminder; 6) Blood glucose; 7) Weight; 8) Blood pressure; 9) HbA1c; 10) Problem solving; 11) Reducing risk; 12) Insulin information; 13) Insulin pumps information; 14) Non-English options. Results AD(DL): 1-mySugr(1M),2-OnetouchReveal(1M),3-DiabetesBloodSugar(1M),4-BloodGlucoseTracker(500K),5-Diabetes(500K),6-Health2Sync(500K),7-DiabetesM(500K), 8-GlucoseBuddy(500K), 9-BeatDiabetes(100K), 10-DiabetesDiary(100K); iOS(RE): 1-OnetouchReveal(87K), 2-GlucoseBuddyDiabetesTracker(21K), 3-Onedrop(20K), 4-GlucoseBloodSugarTracker(17K), 5-Livongo(13K), 6-mySugr(9.6K), 7-Sugarmate(9.4K),8-Klinio(3K), 9-Glooko(2.2K), 10. Diabetes Logs (1.6K). Features: Goal setting=9/20 apps (AD=4, iOS=5); Calorie counting=10/20 apps (AD=5, iOS=5); Nutrition education=9/20 apps (AD=3, iOS=6); Exercise reminder=7/20 apps (AD=2, iOS=5); Medication reminder=11/20 apps (AD=5, iOS=6); Blood glucose=18/20 apps (AD=10, iOS=8); Weight=9/20 apps (AD=6, iOS=3); Blood pressure=10/20 apps (AD=6, iOS=4); HbA1c=11/20 apps (AD=6, iOS=5); Problem solving=12/20 apps (AD=8, iOS=4); Reducing risk=7/20 apps (AD=5, iOS=2); Insulin info=7/20 apps (AD=3, iOS=4); Insulin pumps info=1/20 apps (AD=0, iOS=1); Non-English options=12/20 apps (AD=3, iOS=9) Conclusion: Current apps use some ADCES7 guidelines. 2 As healthcare providers, we can provide guidance and oversight when our patients use current apps for diabetes self-care and diabetes .

ODP591 Obesity and Weight Loss Apps in COVID-19 Era: Do They Help Both the Doctor and the Patient?

Abstract Background Obesity and high BMI are risk factors for COVID-19 affecting>190M adults in the US. Televisits increased from 15K to 25M in October 2020. With 218B downloads, apps are popular. During COVID19, obesity and weight loss apps could be useful for telehealth for doctors and patients with obesity and high BMI. Purpose can doctors use obesity apps to help their patients and conversely, can patients use weight loss apps to improve their health during COVID-19? Methods From the MD point of view (POV), search terms "obesity," "obese," and "overweight"; from patient POV, search term,"weight loss" were used in Google search engine to identify the top 10 free obesity (OBE) apps, weight loss (WL) apps, respectively in Android and iOS stores. Android and iOS apps were ranked by downloads (DL) and reviews (RE), respectively. Apple does not provide download data. Inclusion criteria: Free, English, >500,000DL in Google Play Store, >100RE in Apple App Store. Parameters: COVID-19, gender, race, language accessibility, BMI, calorie count, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and fitness exercises. Obesity: Android(Downloads) vs iOS(Reviews). Android: 1-Lifesum(10M), 2-IdealWt(5M), 3-BMIcalc(5M), 4-WLTracker(1M), 5-WTtracker/BMIcalc(1M), 6-Weightloss Coach(1M), 7-BMI&WT Control(1/2M), 8-WTtrack/BMI(1/2M),9-BMI/idealWTcalc(1/2M),10-BMI/Weight Loss/Calc(1/2M); iOS: 1-BMICalc(22K), 2-MonitorYourWeight(14K), 3-aktiBMI(968), 4-BMICalc/WL(865), 5-Scelta: TrackMyWeight(831), 6-BMICalcforMen&Women(265),7-BMICalc/Manager(257), 8-BMICalc/WtTracker(237), 9-WtTrack/BMImonitor(127), 10-BMI/BMR&BodyFat(103). Weight Loss: Android(Downloads) vs iOS(Reviews). Android: 1-LoseWthome(50M), 2-Calcountmyfitness(50M),3-Losebellyfat(50M),4-LoseWtformen(50M), 5-LoseWtforwomen(50M),6-Monitoryourweight(10M), 7-Calcounterbyloseit(10M),8-Fatburnworkout(5M), 9-WLcalc/BMI(1M), 10-Fooducate(1M). iOS: 1-Myfitnesspal(1.3M),2-LoseitCalcounter(496k),3-fitbit(141K),4-Betterme(115K),5-Fooducate(68K),6-Bodyfast(62K),7-Caloriecounter-mynetdiary(34K), 8-Cronometer(28K),9-Controlmyweight(23K),10-Mydietcoach(20k). Gender=40/40; Race/ethnicity=0/40. COVID19 info= 0/40. Covid19 contact tracing=0/40. Diabetes=0/40; HTN=0/40 Blood pressure. Heart Disease: OBEapps=0/20; WLapps=2/20. Language options: OBEapps=5/20; WLapps=10/20. BMI: OBEapps=17/20; WLapps=19/20. Calorie count: OBEapps=4/20; WLapps=15/20. Fitness exercises: OBEapps=4/20; WLapps=10/20. Existing obesity and weight loss apps provide features for BMI calculation and calorie counting, but they do not provide any education about obesity associated comorbidities e. g. diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Language barriers and racial/ethnic barriers play a role in health care delivery. Language options and different diets based on culture are not available in the apps. Sexual minority subpopulations have more risk factors for obesity and those issues are not addressed in the apps. Conclusion eHealth apps for Obesity and Weight Loss may be useful as a starting point for the Physician-Patient interaction during COVID-19 office visits or televisits. As physicians, we can continue to play a role in public education during this pandemic. Presentation: No date and time listed

Mindfulness Training for Depressed Older Adults Using Smartphone Technology: Protocol for a Fully Remote Precision Clinical Trial.

Precision medicine, optimized interventions, and access to care are catchphrases for the future of behavioral treatments. Progress has been slow due to the dearth of clinical trials that optimize interventions' benefits, individually tailor interventions to meet individual needs and preferences, and lead to rapid implementation after effectiveness is demonstrated. Two innovations have emerged to meet these challenges: fully remote trials and precision clinical trials. This paper provides a detailed description of Mindful MyWay, a study designed to test online mindfulness training in older adults with depression. Consistent with the concept of fully remote trials using a smartphone app, the study requires no in-person contact and can be conducted with participants anywhere in the United States. Based upon the precision medicine framework, the study assesses participants using high-frequency assessments of symptoms, cognitive performance, and patient preferences to both understand the individualized nature of treatment response and help individually tailor the intervention. Mindful MyWay is an open-label early-phase clinical trial for individuals 65 years and older with current depression. A smartphone app was developed to help coordinate the study, deliver the intervention, and evaluate the acceptability of the intervention, as well as predictors and outcomes of it. The curriculum for the fully remote intervention parallels the mindfulness-based stress reduction curriculum, a protocolized group-based mindfulness training that is typically provided in person. After consent and screening, participants download The Healthy Mind Lab mobile health smartphone app from the Apple App Store, allowing them to complete brief smartphone-based assessments of depressive symptoms and cognitive performance 4 times each day for 4 weeks prior to and after completing the intervention. The intervention consists of an introduction video and 10 weekly mindfulness training sessions, with the expectation to practice mindfulness at home daily. The app collects participant preference data throughout the 10-week intervention period; these high-frequency assessments identify participants' individually dynamic preferences toward the goal of optimizing the intervention in future iterations. Participant recruitment and data collection began in March 2019. Final end point assessments will be collected in May 2022. The paper describes lessons learned regarding the critical role of early-phase testing prior to moving to a randomized trial. The Mindful MyWay study is an exemplar of innovative clinical trial designs that use smartphone technology in behavioral and neuropsychiatric conditions. These include fully remote studies that can recruit throughout the United States, including hard-to-access areas, and collect high-frequency data, which is ideal for idiographic assessment and individualized intervention optimization. Our findings will be used to modify our methods and inform future randomized controlled trials within a precision medicine framework. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03922217; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03922217. DERR1-10.2196/39233.

Evaluation of Breastfeeding App Features: Content Analysis Study.

While a variety of health apps abound, less than half of adults in the United States report using a health app, despite the ubiquity of smartphones among users aged 18 to 49 years. Several studies have examined the use of breastfeeding apps; however, less is known about the types of features found on these apps and what factors might influence app ratings. This paper seeks to characterize breastfeeding apps, assess whether apps with higher user ratings differ from apps with lower user ratings in their tracking and nontracking features, and analyze whether the type and number of features predict user star ratings and whether an app is higher- or lower-rated. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of breastfeeding apps was culled from the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Content analysis of the apps (N=82) was conducted using a schema of 87 items, which was then compiled into 9 topical indices for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, solid foods, infant health, infant care, technical characteristics, informatics, informational characteristics, and interactivity. Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman rank correlations. Linear regression and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine which features predicted user star ratings. On average, users rated breastfeeding apps 4.4 of 5 stars. Two-thirds of apps (n=54) were higher rated (≥4.5 stars), and one-third (n=28) were lower rated (<4.5 stars). Higher-rated apps offered more tracking features for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, solid foods, infant health, and infant care than lower-rated apps. The breastfeeding, solid-food, and technical indices explained 17% of user star ratings. For each additional breastfeeding and solid-food feature, we can expect to see a 27% and 35% increase, respectively, in user star ratings. Additionally, as the number of solid-food features increased, the odds that the app is higher rated increased 1.58 times. Our findings suggest user ratings are driven in part by tracking features, specifically those related to breastfeeding and solid foods. The proliferation of mobile health apps offers opportunities for parents and caregivers to track behaviors associated with infant feeding and other health metrics in a dynamic, detailed, and comprehensive manner. Hence, breastfeeding apps have the potential to promote and support breastfeeding among users.

Assessment of Mobile Health Applications for Management of Knee and/or Hip Osteoarthritis Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale.

Mobile health applications (apps) can help individuals with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis (OA) learn about, monitor, and manage their condition. These apps have not been formally evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the publicly available mobile health apps for individuals with knee and/or hip OA using a systematic review. We searched the Apple App Store, Android Google Play, and Amazon Appstore using the terms "arthritis," "osteoarthritis," "hip OA," "knee OA," "hip," "knee," "rehabilitation," "rehab," and "physical therapy" in December of 2021. Applications that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were reviewed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS; 29 items across 6 sections, each rated at 1-5). Among 1104 identified apps, 94 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for MARS appraisal. Fourteen apps met the predetermined score thresholds for final summary. Of the 14 apps appraised, the total overall mean app score on the MARS ranged from 3.12 to 4.20 (mean, 3.51 ± 0.37). Although app features varied, common features were symptom tracking, exercise recommendations, education, goal setting, and improving well-being. Many apps allowed for sharing with health care providers and included some measures to protect privacy. Jointfully Osteoarthritis was the top-rated app in both the Apple App Store and Android Google Play. The majority of the apps we identified for knee and/or hip OA did not meet predetermined score thresholds for final summary. Many failed to provide comprehensive education and deliver management plans and lacked scientific testing. Future research should focus on apps that fit the needs of health care providers and patients including quality information, structured exercise programs tailored to individual needs, secure communication methods, and health information protection.

Orthodontic apps: An assessment of content accuracy and validity.

To assess the content accuracy of orthodontic treatment information in patient-focused apps. A cross-sectional review study. Orthodontic apps available on the UK Android and Apple App Stores. Apps identified in a previous research study and those identified via a questionnaire of specialist orthodontists were assessed for accuracy of content utilising an evidence-based checklist. The checklist covered five main orthodontically relevant themes and 32 codes with respective items. The accuracy of information content for 16 patient-focused apps was assessed. Eight apps provided information related to orthodontic treatment and handling emergencies. Five apps were reminder apps and a small number (n = 3) contained games and timers for toothbrushing and aligners. With regard to the accuracy of information content, only two apps contained information across all five themes of the evidence-based checklist. Only one app received a score of 'fair - excellent' under the oral hygiene theme; interestingly, this app was the most commonly used patient-focused app. Eight apps containing orthodontic treatment information scored poorly as they had inaccurate information on handling emergency situations. None of the apps were deemed excellent with regard to accuracy of information content. The orthodontic mobile apps assessed in this study mostly contained information of poor accuracy. Therefore, there is a need for high-quality apps with credible information supported by evidence to be developed.

Mental Health Mobile Apps in the French App Store: Assessment Study of Functionality and Quality.

BackgroundApproximately 800 million people, representing 11% of the world’s population, are affected by mental health problems. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated problems and triggered a decline in well-being, with drastic increase in the incidence of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Approximately 20,000 mental health apps are listed in mobile app stores. However, no significant evaluation of mental health apps in French, spoken by approximately 300 million people, has been identified in the literature yet.ObjectiveThis study aims to review the mental health mobile apps currently available on the French Apple App Store and Google Play Store and to evaluate their quality using Mobile App Rating Scale–French (MARS-F).MethodsScreening of mental health apps was conducted from June 10, 2022, to June 17, 2022, on the French Apple App Store and Google Play Store. A shortlist of 12 apps was identified using the criteria of selection and assessed using MARS-F by 9 mental health professionals. Intraclass correlation was used to evaluate interrater agreement. Mean (SD) scores and their distributions for each section and item were calculated.ResultsThe highest scores for MARS-F quality were obtained by Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa (mean 3.85, SD 0.48), Evoluno (mean 3.54, SD 0.72), and Teale (mean 3.53, SD 0.87). Mean engagement scores (section A) ranged from 2.33 (SD 0.69) for Reflexe reussite to 3.80 (SD 0.61) for Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa. Mean aesthetics scores (section C) ranged from 2.52 (SD 0.62) for Mental Booster to 3.89 (SD 0.69) for Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa. Mean information scores (section D) ranged from 2.00 (SD 0.75) for Mental Booster to 3.46 (SD 0.77) for Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa. Mean Mobile App Rating Scale subjective quality (section E) score varied from 1.22 (SD 0.26) for VOS – journal de l’humeur to 2.69 (SD 0.84) for Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa. Mean app specificity (section F) score varied from 1.56 (SD 0.97) for Mental Booster to 3.31 (SD 1.22) for Evoluno. For all the mental health apps studied, except Soutien psy avec Mon Sherpa (11/12, 92%), the subjective quality score was always lower than the app specificity score, which was always lower than the MARS-F quality score, and that was lower than the rating score from the iPhone Operating System or Android app stores.ConclusionsMental health professionals assessed that, despite the lack of scientific evidence, the mental health mobile apps available on the French Apple App Store and Google Play Store were of good quality. However, they are reluctant to use them in their professional practice. Additional investigations are needed to assess their compliance with recommendations and their long-term impact on users.

The Current State of Mobile Apps Owned by Large Pediatric Hospitals in the United States: Systematic Search and Analysis on Google Play and Apple App Stores.

BackgroundPediatric hospitals in the United States are increasingly leveraging patient-facing mobile apps as their digital front doors for patients, families, and caretakers. These mobile health apps are sanctioned by pediatric hospitals to inform the public or populations about pediatric care to provide individualized information, to enhance communication, and to improve patient experience. Yet the functionalities and user feedback of these hospital mobile apps have not been systematically investigated.ObjectiveOur aim was to understand the current state of hospital-owned mobile apps provided by large pediatric hospitals, comparatively analyze and report the services provided, and identify potential gaps to inform developers and providers. The American Hospital Association defines large hospitals as those having a bed count of more than 400.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search on Google Play and Apple App Store to identify all hospital-owned mobile apps from the large pediatric hospitals included in our review. Our inclusion criteria were (1) apps provided by large pediatric hospitals; (2) hospital-owned apps available in Apple App Store and Google Play; and (3) apps that are provided for general populations. Specialty apps that serve specific user groups or populations focusing on education, telehealth, specific conditions or procedures, or apps intended for research or clinician use were excluded. The features and functionality of the included apps were examined.ResultsOf the 16 pediatric hospitals included in our review, 4 (25%) had no general patient-facing apps, 4 (25%) had one app, and 8 (50%) had more than one app available on Google Play or Apple App Store. The 12 hospitals with at least one mobile app had a combined total of 72 apps. Of these 72 apps, 61 (85%) were considered specialty and were excluded from our review, leaving a total of 11 (15%) apps to analyze. Among the 11 apps analyzed, the most common feature was appointment scheduling or reminder (n=9, 82%). Doctor search (n=8, 73%) and patient resources (n=8, 73%) were the second most common, followed by payment, billing, or claims (n=7, 64%), patient portal integration (n=6, 55%), personal health management (n=6, 55%), hospital way finding (n=5, 45%), message a provider (n=4, 36%), urgent care wait times (n=4, 36%), video chat (n=4, 36%), and health information access (n=4, 36%). Parking information (n=3, 27%) was the least common.ConclusionsOut of the 16 pediatric hospitals identified for our review, 75% (n=12) offer mobile apps. Based on the most common features, these apps were intended to help improve accessibility for patients and families in terms of finding providers, scheduling appointments, and accessing patient resources. We believe the findings will inform pediatric hospital administrators, developers, and other stakeholders to improve app feature offerings and increase their impact on service accessibility and patient experience.

Promoting Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in North America Using Free Mobile Apps: Environmental Scan.

BackgroundNeglecting adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) can affect multiple domains of development. Promoting healthy adolescent SRH is increasingly done using mobile phone apps. Providing SRH information via mobile phones can positively influence SRH outcomes including improving knowledge, reducing sexual risk behavior, and increasing the use of health services. A systematic approach to establishing and evaluating the quality of adolescent SRH mobile apps is urgently needed to rigorously evaluate whether they are a viable and effective strategy for reaching adolescents and improving adolescent SRH knowledge and behaviors in particular.ObjectiveThis study aimed to conduct an environmental scan to produce an inventory of adolescent SRH–specific mobile apps with descriptions of their purpose, structure, operations, and quality of evidence.MethodsWe used a literature review to develop 15 search terms for adolescent SRH–related apps in the Canadian and US Apple and Google app stores. After generating the search results, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Using the remaining apps, we built an evidence table of app information, and app reviewers assessed each included app using the Mobile App Rating Scale. App assessments were then used to highlight trends between apps and identify gaps in app quality.ResultsIn total, 2761 apps were identified by our searches, of which 1515 were duplicates. Of the 1246 remaining apps, 15 met the criteria for further assessment. Across all subdomains, on a scale of 1-5, the mean app score was 3.4/5. The Functionality subdomain had the highest mean score of 4.1/5, whereas the Engagement subdomain had the lowest score of 2.9/5. The top 4 apps were Tia: Female Health Advisor (4.7/5), Under the Stethoscope (4.2/5), Condom Credit Card (4.1/5), and Shnet (3.7/5).ConclusionsThis environmental scan aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the mobile apps developed to promote adolescent SRH knowledge and outcomes. Of the 15 mobile apps available to provide information related to adolescent SRH, few provided comprehensive, reliable, and evidence-based SRH information. Areas of strength included the apps’ gestural design, performance, ease of use, and navigation. Areas of weakness included app goals, evidence base, and app customization options. These results can be used to conduct future studies evaluating the use and efficacy of mobile apps on health knowledge and behaviors and promote adolescent SRH.

Systematic assessment of the quality and integrity of popular mental health smartphone apps using the American Psychiatric Association's app evaluation model.

Mobile phones are playing an increasingly important role in supporting mental health, by providing confidential, accessible and scalable support for individuals who may not seek or have means of accessing professional help. There are concerns, however, that many apps claiming to support mental health do not meet professional, ethical or evidence-based standards. App store search algorithms favour popularity (reviews and downloads) and commercial factors (in-app purchases), with what appears to be low prioritisation of safety or effectiveness features. In this paper, the most visible 100 apps for “depression”, “anxiety” and/or “mood” on the Google Play and Apple App stores were selected for assessment using the American Psychiatric Association App Evaluation model. This model systematically assesses apps across five broad steps: accessibility, integrity, clinical and research evidence base, user engagement and interoperability. Assessment is hierarchical, with the most fundamental requirements of apps assessed first, with apps excluded at each step if they do not meet the criteria. The relationship between app quality and app store visibility was first analysed. App quality was also compared across four different app function types: mental health promotion or psychoeducation; monitoring or tracking; assessment or prevention; and intervention or treatment. Of the 92 apps assessed (after eight failed to meet inclusion criteria), half failed to meet the first criterion step of accessibility, and a further 20% of the remaining apps failed to meet the second criterion step of security and privacy. Only three of the 10 apps most visible on app stores met the criteria for research/clinical base and engagement/ease of use, and only one app fulfilled all five criterion steps of the evaluation model. Quality did not differ significantly across app function type. There was no significant correlation between app quality and app store visibility, which presents a potential risk to vulnerable consumers. The findings of this review highlight the need for greater accountability of app developers to meet, and report, at least minimum quality and integrity standards for their apps. Recommendations are also provided to assist users and clinicians to make informed choices in their selection of reputable and effective mental health apps.

Premature ejaculation in the era of mobile health application: A current analysis and evaluation of adherence to EAU guidelines.

Several mobile health applications (MHAs) have been developed to assist and improve the quality of life of patients affected by premature ejaculation, but the scientific quality and adherence to guidelines are not yet addressed. On 25 May 2022, we conducted a search in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. We reviewed all mobile apps from Apple App Store and Google Play Store for premature ejaculation and evaluated their usage in screening, prevention, management, and adherence to EAU guidelines. In total 9 MHA were reviewed. All MHAs are geared towards the patient and provide information about diagnoses and treatment of PE. The mean score were 2.87, 3.69, 2.77, 2.55, 2.86 for Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, Information, and Subjective quality respectively. MHAs reported low and medium adherence to EAU guidelines. MHAs provide different services in many medical fields, including male sexual dysfunction. Their development is constantly increasing, but the problems of scientific validation, content, and quality are not yet solved. Much future research is necessary to improve the quality of the apps and promote new user designed, and high-quality apps.

Apps for Covid-19 in Germany: assessment using the German Mobile App Rating Scale.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to provide an overview of apps to help control the spread of Covid-19 in Germany and rate them according to standardized instruments.Materials and methodsThe Apple App Store and Google Play Store were systematically searched to identify apps dealing with Covid-19 in Germany. The German Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-G) was used to independently assess app quality by 2 trained reviewers.ResultsOverall, the quality of the 6 rated apps was good with a mean score of 4.15 (3.88–4.34). The best-rated apps were NINA app (4.34) and Corona Health App (4.29). The best-rated sections were functionality (4.40), aesthetic (4.25), and information (4.25). In contrast, the worst-rated section was engagement (3.63). Even though some of the apps were used by more people than others, there was no correlation between the MARS-G rating and app store rating. In addition, the MARS-G proved to be effective even with rating apps, which have different goals and methods to achieve them.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study that identified and evaluated German Covid-19 mobile health apps available in the German app stores. The review shows that despite the excellent quality in aspects like information and functionality, there is still a gap in the engagement section. To motivate more people to use the Covid-19 apps, new ideas are needed, besides more information and education about the functionality of the apps, to gain trust in app developers and raise the number of downloads.

Mobile app portfolio management and developers’ performance: An empirical study of the apple app store

We examine the impacts of mobile app category assortment of developers’ app portfolios on app performance in terms of quality and popularity. First, using data from the Apple App Store, we find a negative effect of portfolio diversity on developers’ app quality, which is negatively moderated by portfolio size. Second, we uncover spillover effects on app popularity, where existing (new) apps of a developer can influence the popularity of new (existing) apps both within and across app categories (only within the same app category). Importantly, our empirical analyses account for potential endogeneity biases using matching, selection, and simultaneous equations models.

COVID-19 contact tracing app reviews reveal concerns and motivations around adoption.

BackgroundGoogle and Apple’s Exposure Notifications System (ENS) was developed early in the COVID-19 pandemic to complement existing contact tracing efforts while protecting user privacy. An analysis by the Associated Press released in December 2020 estimated approximately 1 in 14 people had downloaded apps in states one was available. In this study, we assessed the motivation and experience of individuals who downloaded ENS apps from the Google Play and Apple App Stores.MethodsWe collected review text, star rating, and date of rating for all the reviews on ENS apps in the Google Play and Apple App stores. We extracted the relative frequency of single words and phrases from reviews and created an open vocabulary language, with themes categorized by the research team, to study the salient themes around reviews with high (3–5 stars), neutral (3 stars), and negative (1–2 stars) ratings using logistic regression.ResultsOf 7622 reviews obtained from 26 states between 04/07/2020 to 03/31/2021, 6364 were from Google Play Store, and 1258 were from Apple App Store. We obtained reviews for a total of 38 apps, with 25 apps from the Google Play Store and 13 apps from the Apple Play Store. 78% of the reviews are either 1 star or 5 stars. Positive reviews were driven by ease of use, support for the state government in creating the app, and encouragement for others to download, as well as engage in other COVID-19 precautions. Negative and neutral reviews focused on issues with app functionality (i.e., installation and tracking errors).ConclusionsUptake was the largest barrier to success for ENS apps, but states can use insight from app store reviews to better position themselves if they choose to develop further public health apps.

Mobile Applications Available in Germany Supporting Breast Cancer Patients During Treatment and Aftercare: a Systematic Review.

Purpose Systematic evaluation of health apps designed to support and aid remote monitoring of patients during breast cancer treatment and aftercare. Method A systematic search and assessment of apps was conducted using search terms: breast cancer; breast cancer therapy; and breast cancer aftercare. Evaluation criteria were user assessments, scientifically published benefits, user-friendliness, data protection, app individualization, motivation, and financial aspects. Up to two points (P) could be awarded per criterion. The lowest possible score was 0P and the maximum was 28P. Three examiners from different institutions independently assessed the apps according to the specified criteria. Reference value was defined as the average value given by the examiners. Apps with > 18P were classified as “recommended”; ≥ 11–≤ 18P as “partially recommended” and ≤ 10P as “not recommended”. Results A total of 776 apps (n = 24 from the Apple App Store, n = 752 from the Google Play Store) were identified via search query. After applying exclusion criteria, 36 apps (n = 1 from the Apple App Store; n = 35 from the Google Play Store) were evaluated. Using the mean point values of the examiners, 20 apps were classified as not recommended and 12 as partially recommended (≥ 11–≤ 18P). Four apps were rated partially recommended by two examiners and recommended by one examiner. Three apps were rated as recommended by all examiners. Conclusion Only a small minority of available apps meet recommendation criteria. Use of these apps may benefit breast cancer patients.

The impact of app revenue model choices for app revenues: A study of apps since their initial App Store launch

When launching a new app in one of the major app stores, the developer must decide how to generate revenues from that app. The decision includes whether to charge an upfront payment from the customer or make it free to download and whether to include in-app payments. In this study, we analysed the effect of these decisions on the amount of revenue an app generates and if it differs for gaming (hedonic value-orientation) and productivity (utilitarian value-orientation) apps. To analyse this effect, we used approximately two years of mobile app panel data from 330 newly launched US Apple App Store gaming and productivity apps. Based on random effects regression analysis, we report that free downloads combined with in-app payments are superior in revenue generation for gaming apps. By contrast, for productivity apps, relying only on either upfront payment for the app or on in-app payments generates the highest revenues. For gaming app developers, offering free to download apps is thus recommended. For productivity app developers, charging for either downloading or in-app features is more successful. This study complements existing literature by investigating revenue generation of new apps and the performance effect of specific revenue model options that developers must make in app store settings.

Mobile phone applications to support psychotropic tapering: a scoping review protocol.

Background: In the context of a recovery-oriented approach to mental healthcare, the role of psychotropic medication over extended or indefinite periods is increasingly being called into question. To minimise the risks of withdrawal symptoms and relapse, it is crucial that service users who want to discontinue psychotropic medication are supported throughout the tapering process. However, in the absence of effective interventions and supports, service users are increasingly relying on online resources for guidance and support. To date, the evidence base for mobile phone applications ('apps') and app-based interventions supporting discontinuation of psychotropic use has not been examined. This scoping review aims to examine the content, underpinning evidence base and impact of available mobile phone apps and app-based interventions to support psychotropic tapering. Methods : A scoping review will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance and results will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guideline. Several electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ACM and IEEE Xplore) will be searched from 2008 onwards. Searches of the major app stores will also be conducted, specifically Apple's App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Following screening, key information will be extracted from the included studies and apps. Identified apps will be coded using the Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) Taxonomy. The findings will be described using narrative synthesis. Conclusions : This scoping review will provide a broad overview of available apps to support psychotropic tapering, including a summary of their content using the BCT Taxonomy. The review findings will guide future research relating to the development, implementation and evaluation of app-based interventions to support the tapering of psychotropic medication.

Mobile phone applications to support psychotropic tapering: a scoping review protocol

Background: In the context of a recovery-oriented approach to mental healthcare, the role of psychotropic medication over extended or indefinite periods is increasingly being called into question. To minimise the risks of withdrawal symptoms and relapse, it is crucial that service users who want to discontinue psychotropic medication are supported throughout the tapering process. However, in the absence of effective interventions and supports, service users are increasingly relying on online resources for guidance and support. To date, the evidence base for mobile phone applications (‘apps’) and app-based interventions supporting discontinuation of psychotropic use has not been examined. This scoping review aims to examine the content, underpinning evidence base and impact of available mobile phone apps and app-based interventions to support psychotropic tapering. Methods : A scoping review will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance and results will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guideline. Several electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ACM and IEEE Xplore) will be searched from 2008 onwards. Searches of the major app stores will also be conducted, specifically Apple's App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Following screening, key information will be extracted from the included studies and apps. Identified apps will be coded using the Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) Taxonomy. The findings will be described using narrative synthesis. Conclusions : This scoping review will provide a broad overview of available apps to support psychotropic tapering, including a summary of their content using the BCT Taxonomy. The review findings will guide future research relating to the development, implementation and evaluation of app-based interventions to support the tapering of psychotropic medication.

Evaluating Plant Disease Detection Mobile Applications: Quality and Limitations

In this technologically advanced era, with the proliferation of artificial intelligence, many mobile apps are available for plant disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment, each with a variety of features. These apps need to be categorized and reviewed following a proper framework that ensures their quality. This study aims to present an approach to evaluating plant disease detection mobile apps, which includes providing ratings of distinct features of the apps and insights into the exploitation of artificial intelligence used in plant disease detection. The applicability of these apps for pathogen or disease detection, identification, and treatment will be assessed along with significant insights garnered. For this purpose, plant disease detection apps were searched in three prominent app stores (the Google Play store, Apple App store, and Microsoft store) using a set of keywords. A total of 606 apps were found and from them, 17 relevant apps were identified based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected apps were reviewed by three raters using our devised app rating scale. To validate the rater agreements on the ratings, inter-rater reliability is computed alongside their intra-rater reliability, ensuring their rating consistency. Also, the internal consistency of our rating scale was evaluated against all selected apps. User comments from the app stores are collected and analyzed to understand their expectations and views. Following the rating procedure, most apps earned acceptable ratings in software quality characteristics such as aesthetics, usability, and performance but gained poor ratings in AI-based advanced functionality, which is the key aspect of this study. However, most of the apps cannot be used as a complete solution to plant disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Only one app, Plantix–your crop doctor, could successfully identify plants from images, detect diseases, maintain a rich plant database, and suggest potential treatments for the disease presented. It also provides a community where plant lovers can communicate with each other to gain additional benefits. In general, all existing apps need to improve functionalities, user experience, and software quality. Therefore, a set of design considerations has been proposed for future app improvements.