Mobile Applications for Hemodialysis: Evaluation Using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS)

Mobile applications (apps) and social media could be useful in improving the condition of patients on hemodialysis. Despite the rise of mobile health apps in hemodialysis management, no research has evaluated the quality of these apps with reliable tools. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of apps designed for the self-care of patients on hemodialysis.

A review of Google Play and App Store mobile platforms was carried out to evaluate the mobile apps used for hemodialysis. These apps were assessed using the mobile application rating scale (MARS), which includes criteria for overall quality, engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information. Search keywords included "Dialysis," "Kidney Dialysis," "Hemodialysis," "Haemodialysis," and "Peritoneal Dialysis." Eligibility criteria included being related to dialysis, being designed specifically for patients, being free, being available in English, and being developed for Android and iOS platforms. The included apps were independently evaluated and rated by two reviewers using MARS.

Initially, 177 apps were identified, and after the screening and review processes, six apps were selected for qualitative evaluation. The overall scores on MARS varied from 2.33 to 3.67. The "KidneyPal: Kidney Disease Mgmt" app received the highest scores in most MARS items. Moreover, the maximum app quality mean score belonged to "KidneyPal: Kidney Disease Mgmt" (4.26 out of 5).

The findings showed a limited number of apps available for hemodialysis, the majority of which were of low quality. The reviewed apps performed well in functionality but obtained lower scores in terms of app subjective quality. Future studies should focus on developing and testing mobile apps using assessment tools, such as MARS, as well as evaluating their impact on health behaviors and outcomes.