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A Systematic Assessment of the Quality of Smartphone Applications for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

  • 0Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Gastro Hep Advances +

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August 12, 2024

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August 12, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Smartphone apps for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) vary in quality, with patient education apps being particularly poor. Higher-quality, evidence-based GERD apps are needed for better patient care.

Area Of Science

  • Medical Informatics
  • Digital Health
  • Gastroenterology

Background

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects a significant patient population.
  • Over 100,000 smartphone applications targeting GERD patients have been downloaded.
  • A systematic quality assessment of these GERD applications was previously lacking.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To objectively assess the quality of smartphone applications designed for GERD patient education and disease management.
  • To evaluate the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) for assessing GERD apps.
  • To explore correlations between app quality, user ratings, and download numbers.

Main Methods

  • Systematic search of Apple App Store and Google Play Store for GERD applications.
  • Screening and eligibility assessment by two independent reviewers.
  • Grading applications using the validated Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) across engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information domains.

Main Results

  • Out of 4816 identified apps, 46 met inclusion criteria (37 for education, 9 for management).
  • Mean overall app quality was 3.02/5 (acceptable), with 61% rated as "poor".
  • Disease management apps (3.59/5) were higher quality than education apps (2.88/5); no correlation found between quality and user ratings/downloads.

Conclusions

  • Smartphone app quality for GERD patients is variable, especially for patient education.
  • Findings can guide patient selection and clinician recommendations for GERD apps.
  • There is a clear need for higher-quality, evidence-informed GERD patient education applications.

Keywords:

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