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Smartphone apps for urolithiasis
D J Stevens1, K McKenzie, H W Cui
1Oxford Stone Group, Department of Urology, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, The Churchill Hospital, Oxford University NHS Trust, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK, Daniel.Stevens@dpag.ox.ac.uk.
Urolithiasis
|November 21, 2014
Summary
Many smartphone apps for urolithiasis (kidney stones) lack professional input, offering potentially harmful advice. Greater clinician involvement and quality standards are needed for these valuable health tools.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Digital Health
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Urolithiasis (kidney stones) is a significant health concern.
- Patients increasingly use smartphone applications (apps) for health information.
- A lack of regulation exists for healthcare apps, including those for urolithiasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available urolithiasis smartphone apps.
- To assess the extent of healthcare professional input in these apps.
Main Methods:
- Searched four international app stores for urolithiasis apps.
- Downloaded and analyzed 42 unique apps.
- Collected data on cost, publisher, ratings, and professional involvement.
Main Results:
- 50% of apps required payment; the average cost was $6.04.
- 79% of apps were patient-focused, but only 36% showed clear health professional input.
- 22 apps provided inaccurate dietary advice, contradicting evidence-based practice.
Conclusions:
- Urolithiasis apps hold potential for patient and professional education on stone management.
- Inaccuracies due to limited specialist input can be misleading or harmful.
- Recommendations include quality stamps from urological organizations and increased clinician involvement in app development.
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