Quality Of Apps Research Articles

Content and Quality of Mobile Apps for the Monitoring of Musculoskeletal or Neuropathic Pain in Australia: Systematic Evaluation.

Mobile apps offer a potential mechanism for people with persistent pain to monitor pain levels conveniently within their own environment and for clinicians to remotely monitor their patients' pain. However, the quality of currently available apps and the usefulness of included features from a clinical perspective are not known. The aim of this study was to examine the content and quality of currently available smartphone apps designed for monitoring the intensity or presence of musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain. A systematic search was performed in the Australian Apple and Google Play stores. Apps were included if they were designed to monitor the intensity or presence of musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain and were available in the English language within the Australian app stores. Data pertaining to the intended use of the app and clinical population were extracted by using a custom-designed data extraction form, and app quality was assessed by using the 23-item Mobile App Rating Scale. Of the 2190 apps screened, 49 met the inclusion criteria. Apps were primarily designed for adult users (36/49, 73%) with nonspecific musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain conditions, arthritis, and joint pain. All apps monitored pain intensity, with almost half (23/49, 47%) also specifying pain location. Overall, the mean quality scores from the Mobile App Rating Scale ranged from 1.5 to 4.4 (out of 5.0). Between 20% (10/49) and 22% (11/49) of apps involved clinicians, consumers, or both in their development, and 20% (10/49) had published literature related to the development or use of the app in clinical scenarios. Although 71% (35/49) had data sharing features, only 5 apps enabled client-clinician communication through the app. The overall quality of mobile apps that are currently available for monitoring pain intensity is acceptable. Presently, mobile apps for remote pain monitoring lack functionality for clinicians to view data between consults. Both users and clinicians should be aware of the limitations of these apps and make informed choices in using or recommending apps that best suit the clinical need.

Utilization of patient portals: a cross-sectional study investigating associations with mobile app quality

BackgroundMobile apps facilitate patients’ access to portals and interaction with their healthcare providers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend globally, but little evidence exists on patient portal usage in the Middle East, where internet access and digital literacy are limited. Our study aimed to explore how users utilize a patient portal through its related mobile app (MyChart by EPIC).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of MyChart users, recruited from a tertiary care center in Lebanon. We collected MyChart usage patterns, perceived outcomes, and app quality, based on the Mobile Application Rating Scale (user version, uMARS), and sociodemographic factors. We examined associations between app usage, app quality, and sociodemographic factors using Pearson’s correlations, Chi-square, ANOVA, and t-tests.Results428 users completed the survey; they were primarily female (63%), aged 41.3 ± 15.6 years, with a higher education level (87%) and a relatively high crowding index of 1.4 ± 0.6. Most of the sample was in good and very good health (78%) and had no chronic illnesses (67%), and accessed the portal through MyChart once a month or less (76%). The most frequently used features were accessing health records (98%), scheduling appointments (67%), and messaging physicians (56%). According to uMARS completers (n = 200), the objective quality score was 3.8 ± 0.5, and the subjective quality was 3.6 ± 0.7. No significant association was found between overall app usage and the mobile app quality measured via uMARS. Moreover, app use frequency was negatively associated with education, socioeconomic status, and perceived health status. On the other hand, app use was positively related to having chronic conditions, the number of physician visits and subjective app quality.ConclusionThe patient portal usage was not associated with app quality but with some of the participants’ demographic factors. The app offers a user-friendly, good-quality interface to patient health records and physicians, appreciated chiefly by users with relatively low socioeconomic status and education. While this is encouraging, more research is needed to capture the usage patterns and perceptions of male patients and those with even lower education and socioeconomic status, to make patient portals more inclusive.

Importance-performance analysis in fitness apps. A study from the viewpoint of gender and age.

We are currently undergoing a profound process of digital transformation that has favoured the development and use of apps in multiple facets of people's daily lives. In the fitness industry, this situation has facilitated the control of exercise and the maintenance of healthier lifestyles. However, it is not known how the perceived quality and importance of fitness apps vary for users based on gender and age, which is the objective of this study conducted among users of fitness centres. By means of a convenience sample, 321 users from different centres of the boutique fitness chain Sano Centre (238 females and 83 males) took part in the study. They answered the 16 items of the MARS scale, distributed in four dimensions, in terms of importance and perceived quality. The existence of significant differences was analysed using non-parametrical statistics such as the U-Mann-Whitney (gender) and the H-Kruskal-Wallis (age). In addition, a cluster analysis, combining hierarchical and non-hierarchical methods, was analysed considering as a dependent variable the level of recommendation of fitness apps. Considering gender, in importance-performance analysis (IPA), credibility was the most important attribute for females and quality of information for males. In the case of age, credibility was the most important attribute in all the ranges. The cluster analysis established two groups (high and low recommendations of the fitness app). In importance, the first group scored better on all factors except entertainment and interest. In valuation, the scores were lower than on importance, especially in the low recommendation group. Regarding usage behaviour, credibility is the factor to which users attach the highest importance and rating, regardless of gender and age. The main demand focuses on improving the gestural design and visual appeal, which will facilitate a better user experience.

Identification of the Most Suitable Mobile Apps to Support Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet Self-Management: Systematic Search of App Stores and Content Analysis.

Smartphone apps might provide an opportunity to support the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, a healthy diet designed to help lower blood pressure. This study evaluated DASH diet self-management apps based on their quality, likely effectiveness, and data privacy/security to identify the most suitable app(s). A systematic search and content analysis were conducted of all DASH diet apps available in Google Play and the Apple App Store in the UK in November 2022. Apps were included if they provided DASH diet tracking. A previous systematic literature review found some commercial apps not found in the app store search, and these were also included in this review. Three reviewers used the App Quality Evaluation Tool (AQEL) to assess each app's quality across seven domains: knowledge acquisition, skill development, behaviour change, purpose, functionality, and appropriateness for adults with hypertension. Domains with a score of 8 or higher were considered high-quality. Two reviewers assessed the apps' data privacy and security and then coded Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) linked to the Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF) underpinning the likely effectiveness of the apps. Seven DASH diet apps were assessed, showing the limited availability of apps supporting DASH diet self-management. The AQEL assessment showed that three apps scored higher than eight in most of the AQEL domains. Nineteen BCTs were used across the apps, linked to nine TDF action mechanisms that may support DASH diet self-management behaviours. Four apps met standards for privacy and security. All seven apps with self-monitoring functionality had sufficient theoretical basis to demonstrate likely effectiveness. However, most had significant quality and data security shortcomings. Only two apps, NOOM and DASH To TEN, were found to have both adequate quality and security and were thus deemed suitable to support DASH diet self-management.

Chronic kidney disease and mobile health: quality of renal nutritional APPs in Italy.

Patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) must adhere to a nutritional therapy characterized by a restrictive dietary scheme. Nutritional self-care can be enhanced through the use of nutritional apps. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of specific nutritional apps for chronic renal failure available in Italy. A systematic search of mobile apps was conducted by two academic researchers in three Italian App stores: Google Play Store, Apple Store and Huawei AppGallery. Of the 1602 apps identified, 2 apps (Miku; MyFIR) were evaluated with the Italian version of a Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS-ITA) by a multidisciplinary team of 20 professionals. The study found that the two selected apps, available in the Google Play Store and Apple Store, aim to increase well-being through the acquisition of knowledge and behavioral change; but none identify health goals that should be achieved. The strategies used by the two applications are: information, education, monitoring and cognitive-behavioral challenge. The technical analysis showed adequate protection of personal data but only the most downloaded app (Miku) provides the possibility to share content, to send reminders and to browse when offline. The main Italian app stores have two applications to monitor physical health and nutrition in patients with renal disease. Although these are free, easily accessible, navigable and valid in terms of health monitoring and information, greater availability of the offer would be desirable.

Assessing Technology Innovation of Mobile Health Apps for Medical Care Providers

In recent years, mobile health applications (mHealth apps) have created a new social context in the clinical diagnosis process based on technology innovation. To improve understanding of digital transformation in healthcare and determinants for its implementation, this article examines the available mHealth apps addressed to medical practitioners and explores these apps features’ trustworthiness, quality, and popularity. Based on the normalization process theory, we explain the process from the introduction of mHealth innovation in the clinical practice to the intention of professional engagement. We conduct content analysis of the apps’ descriptions, functions, and user reviews; measured available app features and performance metrics; and applied statistical analysis to understand features intercorrelations and users’ preferences. We observe moderate levels of reliability and quality in the existing mHealth apps, revealing margins for potential improvement. The mHealth app star rating, quality score, and downloads are all highly intercorrelated. The apps with more features score higher in quality, especially those with credible sources, feedback opportunities, and “how to use” instructions. App development from credible sources can increase their trustworthiness. Further, technological advances in these apps can greatly benefit health professionals’ everyday practice and, thus, healthcare for society. This article contributes to the information systems research by using social theories to reveal the importance of app features to the adoption of professional health applications and underline the sets of policies/practices that should apply in the app development process to strengthen clinical efficiency and effectiveness.

The Impact of Mobile Banking Services on the Customer Satisfaction of 
 Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka

The primary focus of this study is to identify the decisive factors that affect customer satisfaction with Mobile Banking Services. The identified independent variables of the study are reliability, efficiency, flexibility, easy-to-navigate, and trust. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire from 120 mobile bank users of Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka. The study population was mobile banking users of commercial banks in the Colombo District of Sri Lanka. The hypotheses have been tested through multiple linear regression and the correlation coefficient has been used to identify the relationship between the dependent variable and independent variables. The findings of the study show that there is a statistically significant impact of the reliability, efficiency, easy-to-navigate, and trust dimensions of mobile banking services on customer satisfaction whereas flexibility has a statistically insignificant impact. Easy to navigate and reliability were the most influential dimensions compared to the rest of the mobile banking dimensions and the researcher recommended that commercial banks should expand the web and mobile app quality in order to achieve higher customer satisfaction with mobile banking services.

Sentiment Analysis of Shopee Food Application User Satisfaction Using the C4.5 Decision Tree Method

Sentiment analysis on public opinion regarding the shopee food application is an interesting topic in the context of evaluating service quality in the shopee food application. In this digital era, user opinion has a very important role in shaping public perception of the application. Therefore, sentiment analysis is needed to understand user opinion about the shopee food application. This study uses Decision Tree C4.5 to analyze public sentiment on the use of the Shopee Food application on Twitter users. However, beforehand it is necessary to overcome the problem of data imbalance which is common in datasets, where the number of positive, negative, and neutral sentiments is not balanced. To overcome this problem, three different techniques are used, namely SMOTE, undersampling, and a combination of oversampling and undersampling. The results of this study indicate that the SMOTE technique provides better results in overcoming data imbalances and increasing prediction accuracy. With an accuracy of 0.88. the SMOTE technique can provide more accurate sentiment predictions than the undersampling technique and the combination of oversampling and undersampling. This is because SMOTE can synthetically expand the number of minority samples, thereby preventing the loss of information and maintaining variation in the dataset. In conclusion, sentiment analysis on the Shopee Food application on Google Play using the Decision Tree C4.5 algorithm and the SMOTE technique can overcome data imbalances with a prediction accuracy of 0.88. This technique is more efficient than the undersampling technique and the combination of oversampling and undersampling. These results can provide developers with valuable insights to improve app quality and user satisfaction.

Reprint of: Platform competition in the tablet PC market: The effect of application quality

The tablet PC market is dominated by two platforms: iOS and Android. In this paper, we combine tablet-level data with data on the quality of the top 1000 mobile applications from these platforms and estimate a structural demand model. We exploit variations over three periods and five European countries to find whether the application quality affects tablet demand. We then run two counterfactuals. The first counterfactual suggests that an improvement in application quality benefits the tablet producers on that platform with a more pronounced effect on the demand for Android-based tablets. The second counterfactual discusses the policy of leveling the app quality of the two stores. It shows that such a policy favors the tablet producers adopting the lowest quality app store (Google) and stimulates the adoption of tablet PCs. This generates consumer surplus in tablet demand.

Evaluation of Commercially Available Infant-feeding Mobile Applications Using App Quality Evaluation Tool

ObjectiveAssess the quality of free, commercially available infant-feeding mobile applications (apps) and their appropriateness for audiences with low income and of racial and ethnic diversity using the App Quality Evaluation tool. MethodsResearchers selected apps using an iterative process (n = 6). Health professionals (n = 10) who work with mothers with infants and low income who completed the App Quality Evaluation tool for each app, consisting of 7 domains of app quality. Average domain scores were calculated for each app (> 8 indicates high quality). ResultsEvaluators highly rated app function and purpose for WebMD Baby (8.0 ± 1.8 and 8.2 ± 0.9, respectively) and Baby Center (8.0 ± 2.1 and 8.0 ± 2.6, respectively). For other apps, no domains were highly rated. No apps were rated highly for appropriateness (range 5.7–7.7) nor provided high-quality infant-feeding information for mothers with low income. Few apps were rated highly appropriate for mothers who are Black or Hispanic. Conclusions and ImplicationsCommercially available infant-feeding apps are of limited quality, indicating the need to develop high-quality apps for audiences with low income and Black and Hispanic identities.

A novel wide scale well-baby clinic mobile application: an Egyptian pilot study

BackgroundUtilization of under 5-year-old child healthcare services in Egypt is considered low, the highest proportion of well-baby visits is mainly for immunization in the first 2 years of age. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to be a useful and low-cost way to disseminate information about proper nutrition, can be used to monitor children’s growth using the official charts of World Health Organization, can also help in accessing vaccine-related information and schedules.ObjectivesTo assess needs and requirements for a new comprehensive well-baby clinic mobile application (app) covering well-baby clinic service components. Thereafter, to develop the app prototype and validate it.MethodsThis study was conducted in four phases: User requirements, development, validation and usage. In user requirement phase, the need for the new app was assessed by performing literature review, market app research and an online survey. In development phase, we developed the novel well-baby clinic app that constituted all well-baby clinic services for children’s health monitoring relying on evidence-based information and honoring data safety. In validation phase, after a series of testing, the app was validated using Mobile app rating scale (MARS) by public health and pediatrics consultants to assess its quality. Finally, the app was launched and made available to the public on Android platform.ResultsSehhat Tefly app was developed based on the demands and requirements of mothers of under 5-year-old children. The app constituted caregiver, child information and seven service elements: physical growth, developmental milestones, immunizations, nutrition, teething, safety & emergency measures and report. The app quality mean was rated 3.7 out of 5 by the panel of experts. The app was downloaded 1445 times in a 4 month period.ConclusionsSehhat Tefly app can meet the need for a free, easy and accessible tool for caregivers to track the progress of children’s development and wellbeing. It can also provide advice for referral to physician consultation in case of deviation from normal measures.

Secure app usage-Evaluation benchmarks for medical apps : Quality aspects for health apps based on 9key criteria

Smartphones and health apps are an integral part of everyday life. They are increasingly being used for medical purposes. However, there is no fundamental basis or consensus on the evidence on which decisions are made towards aunified digital strategy. Consequently, the understanding of the quality of health apps is only inconsistent and fuzzily defined. The 9quality criteria presented by the Association of Medical Societies (AWMF)-transparency, appropriateness, risk appropriateness, ethical harmlessness, legal conformity, content validity, technical appropriateness, usability, resource efficiency-serve as aguide for individual and institutionalized quality assessment. The principles are based on acomprehensive compilation of existing (inter-) national standards and evaluation benchmarks. Analogously to usual medical practice, it is also obligatory to conduct one's own research for asuitable app and to weigh up the risks and benefits when using an app.

Portuguese Translation and validation of the user rating scale for mobile applications in the health area (uMARS)

New health apps can improve patients' lives. However, the rapid proliferation of technological solutions often does not allow a correct assessment of the quality of these tools. For these technologies, it is necessary to carry out more studies and evaluation instruments that stimulate additional research and practices to evaluate the effect of currently available tools and guarantee the quality and usability of mobile technologies. The User Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS) is a tool that provides a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of app quality. However, this tool is not available in Portuguese. This study aims to culturally adapt and validate the rating scale questionnaire for users from English to Portuguese. First, a qualitative study was carried out in the translation and validation of the questionnaire. In a second step, the questionnaire was made available to users of the Meu Clínicas© application. Quantitative analysis was performed using Cronbach's Alpha coefficient reliability measure. Results: The 26 questions of the questionnaire were translated in full following a methodology, as well as, all translated items were revised for grammatical terms, verb tenses and synonyms. Content validity was performed through the analysis of five specialists. The study sample consisted of 5 key users and administrative professionals from the Hospital. The instrument was applied from October to November 2022. The Portuguese version of the uMARS had a total Cronbach's alpha of 0.78. The Brazilian version of this scale demonstrated semantic, idiomatic, conceptual and cultural equivalence with the original English version, as well as adequate validity and reliability.

Determinants of continuous intention to use retail apps: A hybrid PLS-ANN approach

ABSTRACT Although consumers’ intent to use retail applications (apps) over time is crucial to their success, academics have paid less attention to this factor. Using the attractiveness of alternatives as a moderator, this study aims to determine how users’ perceptions of app quality affect their propensity to use the app in the future through measures of performance confirmation and trust. The study analyzed the 435 acceptable responses using a hybrid approach incorporating partial least squares structural equation modeling and deep learning (artificial neural network). Results showed that utilitarian and hedonic performance confirmation and trust drive the use of retail apps. Service and information qualities validate trust and utilitarian and hedonic performance confirmation. System quality solely influences utilitarian performance confirmation. The attractiveness of alternatives adversely moderates utilitarian performance confirmation and continuation intention. The novel theoretical model integrating stimulus–organism–reaction model and information system success model reveals the relative importance of specific aspects, providing a better understanding of retail app users’ continuation intention.

Consensus on Criteria for Selection of Sign Language Mobile Apps: A Delphi Study

In the rapidly evolving digital learning landscape, sign language mobile apps are vital in advancing sign language teaching. However, ensuring the quality of these apps remains a critical challenge. To address this gap, this study employs the fuzzy Delphi technique to establish a robust set of criteria for evaluating the quality of sign language mobile apps. By leveraging the collective wisdom and expertise of a panel of experts, the fuzzy Delphi technique facilitates a structured process for achieving consensus on the essential factors contributing to evaluating sign language mobile apps. Through rigorous rounds of iterative feedback and analysis, the study identifies a comprehensive list of reliable criteria encompassing various dimensions, including functionality, usability, accessibility, and pedagogical effectiveness. The criteria established through this method serve as a valuable resource for developers, educators, and clients in selecting and developing top-notch sign language mobile apps. Developers can use the criteria as a guide during the design and development stages, ensuring that their apps meet the highest quality and user experience standards. Educators can rely on the criteria as a checklist for evaluating and selecting appropriate apps that align with their teaching objectives and cater to the diverse learning needs of their students. Clients, such as educational institutions or individuals seeking sign language learning resources, can make informed decisions by referring to the established criteria, promoting the adoption of clear and impactful sign language mobile apps. This study emphasizes the significance of applying the fuzzy Delphi method in the context of sign language mobile app assessment. Involving experts from relevant fields ensures that the established criteria capture the multifaceted nature of compelling sign language learning experiences. Developing a comprehensive and reliable set of criteria contributes to improving existing apps and encourages innovation in creating new apps that better serve the needs of sign language learners. Overall, this research extends the knowledge base of sign language teaching in the digital age by providing a robust framework for assessing the quality of sign language mobile apps. The findings of this study empower stakeholders in the education and technology sectors to make informed decisions, fostering the advancement of sign language teaching and promoting inclusivity in digital learning environments.

Peran electronic word of mouth, perceived risk, dan mobile apps quality terhadap e-loyalty yang dimediasi oleh kepuasan (Studi kasus pada mahasiswa pengguna situs jual beli Tokopedia)

This study aims to examine theories regarding the influence of electronic word of mouth, perceived risk, mobile apps quality on Tokopedia user satisfaction in Semarang and its effect on electtronic loyalty. The object of research is students who use Tokopedia throughout Indonesia with a minimum age limit of 18-26 years and have used Tokopedia at least 3 times. Respondents were processed as many as 157 individuals with analysis techniques (Structural Equation Model), which were operated using the Smart PLS program. Based on the five variables taken, all five have positive and significant impact. As for the final conclusion, electronic loyalty can be achieved by increasing electronic word of mouth, perceived risk, mobile apps quality with a satisfaction.

Quality Evaluation of Mobile Application for Daily Mood Regulation: A Review and Analysis using the Mobile Application Rating Scale

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of mobile application (app) for mood management and to assess the quality of these application using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS).Methods: The Google Play store was thoroughly explored in order to find apps that could help regulate daily moods. A total of 28 apps were selected. These mobile apps were analyzed with MARS questionnaires, which includes a total of 23 evaluation criteria organized into 6 categories (Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, Information, Subjective Quality, and App specific). In addition, we examined the features contained in of 28 different apps, focusing on those that measured mood and provided coping strategies.Results: The mean MARS score for the overall quality of the 28 apps was 3.48±0.81, with a maximum of 5 and a minimum of 0. Most apps received acceptable grades for Engagement and Aesthetics.Conclusion: MARS is a useful strategy for determining which apps can be recommended to users and which features should be modify to improve the quality of apps. This review shows that some apps match predetermined criteria for quality, content, or functionality, underlining the need for additional refining to evidence-based principles.

THE EFFECT OF TIME PRESSURE DURING COVID19 ON SOFTWARE QUALITY

Background: as technology develops, governments, organizations, companies, and individuals develop technical solutions for global problems or crises. Currently, the entire world is experiencing the covid-19 pandemic. During this crisis, efforts have been made to find a technical solution to face or even mitigate the crisis. The development of technological solutions under time pressure is one issue being explored by many researchers. We seek to determine the impact of time pressure on the quality of the developed software or applications, especially in the case of the covid-19 crisis in Saudi Arabia. Method: this research uses interviewing, survey, and analysis of user comments and ratings for the application (the application was developed under time pressure in the covid-19 crisis) in the app store. Results: the research results demonstrated that software quality in this study was positively affected by time pressure. The impact of time pressure on software quality likely depends on a few factors, such as the level of time pressure, the experience of the developers, and the type of software being developed. Conclusions: the development teams can perform well under time pressure. Similarly, the challenge–hindrance framework maintains that time pressure may be a positive source of pressure (challenge) and translate into good stress or a negative source of pressure (hindrance) that corresponds to bad stress. In other words, outcomes derived under time pressure can be positive and negative; pressure is positive when it increases efficiency and negative when it reduces quality. Project managers can maintain quality while working under time pressures. To put it in another way, under optimal pressure, software development teams can complete projects in less time, with less effort, and with good quality. Since the ABC application was developed to improve people’s health and restore normalcy after quarantine, the developers prioritized its development as a mission of national interest. We concluded that the type of time pressure affects app quality, either negatively or positively.

Mobile applications for cognitive training: Content analysis and quality review

BackgroundAs the number of individuals suffering from cognitive diseases continues to rise, dealing with the diminished cognitive function that comes with age has become a serious public health concern. While the use of mobile applications (apps) as digital treatments for cognitive training shows promise, the analysis of their content and quality remains unclear. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to systematically search and assess cognitive training apps using the multidimensional mobile app rating scale (MARS) to rate objective quality and identify critical points. MethodsA search was conducted on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in February 2022 using the terms “cognitive training” and “cognitive rehabilitation.” The cognitive domains provided by each app were analyzed, and the frequency and percentage according to the apps were obtained. The MARS, a mHealth app quality rating tool including multidimensional measures, was used to analyze the quality of the apps. The relationship between the MARS score, the number of reviews, and 5-star ratings were examined. ResultsOf the 53 apps, 52 (98 %) included memory function, 48 (91 %) included attention function, 24 (45 %) included executive function, and 19 (36 %) included visuospatial function. The mean (SD) scores of MARS, 5-star ratings, and reviews of 53 apps were 3.09 (0.61), 4.33 (0.30), and 62,415.43 (121,578.77). From the between-section comparison, engagement (mean 2.97, SD 0.68) obtained lower scores than functionality (mean 3.18, SD 0.62), aesthetics (mean 3.13, SD 0.72), and information (mean 3.11, SD 0.54). The mean quality score and reviews showed a statistically significant association (r = 0.447 and P = .001*). As the number of domains increased, the mean quality score showed a statistically significant increasing trend (P = .002*). ConclusionsMost apps provided training for the memory and attention domains, but few apps included executive function or visuospatial domains. The quality of the apps improved significantly when more domains were provided, and was positively associated with the number of reviews received. These results could be useful for the future development of mobile apps for cognitive training.

Methods for Navigating the Mobile Mental Health App Landscape for Clinical Use.

There are over 10,000 mental health and wellness apps on the market. Apps offer the opportunity to increase access to mental health care. However, with many apps to choose from and an app landscape that is largely unregulated, it can be difficult to incorporate this technology into clinical practice. The first step towards achieving this goal is to identify clinically relevant and appropriate apps. The purpose of this review is to discuss app evaluation, raise awareness of considerations involved in implementing mental health apps into clinical care, and provide an example of how apps can be used effectively in the clinical space. We discuss the current regulatory environment for health apps, how to evaluate apps, and implement them into clinical practice. We also showcase a digital clinic where apps are integrated into the clinical workflow and discuss barriers to app implementation. Mental health apps have the potential to increase access to care if they are clinically effective, easy to use, and protect patient privacy. Learning how to find, evaluate, and implement quality apps into practice is key in harnessing this technology for the benefit of patients.