Evaluating Mobile Health Apps
<p>With the proliferation of smartphones and tablet computers in recent years, apps focused on health improvement hold promise for getting people more engaged in managing their health care. But how can we tell how effective, and safe, mobile health apps are—especially for individuals with serious chronic conditions?</p><p>With Commonwealth Fund support, researchers Karandeep Singh, M.D., David Bates, M.D., and colleagues have developed a framework for evaluating mobile health apps for their patient engagement potential, quality, and safety. As reported in a new issue brief, fewer than half of the more than 1,000 apps they reviewed appeared likely to be useful.</p>
<p>The authors also apply their evaluation framework to a sample of apps, including one that connects users with depression to counseling and therapy services, and a medication management app that offers reminders, refill alerts, and drug interaction warnings. Next, the researchers will evaluate apps targeting high-need, high-cost patients.</p>