Integrating smart phone applications in the management of cirrhotic patients: A scoping review

Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis is a significant cause of healthcare utilization and patient morbidity and mortality worldwide. Smartphone applications have high uptake in most communities and therefore have great potential to provide remote support solutions to this patient population. The aim of this scoping review was therefore to provide a comprehensive overview using narrative synthesis on the use of smartphone-application-based digital interventions in cirrhotic populations.

PRISMA guidelines were followed, with two independent researchers identifying 10 relevant studies. Patients studied were predominantly those with decompensated cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy was the most common complication studied.

Smartphones were the most common platform used, but training periods, prior to commencement of the study, were rarely offered. Patient engagement rates with the technology were reported only in three studies, but all reported high (>50%) rates of engagement. Only one study examined the clinical effects of their digital intervention, with a 38% reduction in readmission rate reported.

Overall, the use of smartphone apps in cirrhosis is in an early phase of development and evaluation but preliminary studies suggest significant potential as an adjunct to routine medical care. Further high-quality studies of well-designed digital interventions are needed to advance this promising early experience.