Mobile Applications for Sepsis-Related Healthcare: A Systematic Search and Evaluation Within App Stores

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that poses a significant global health challenge. The rapid development and use of mobile phone technology has led to an increase in mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps). This review aimed to evaluate free and publicly available mHealth apps for sepsis-related healthcare, focusing on app features, quality, and clinical calculator accuracy.

mHealth apps were identified by searching Apple's App Store and Google Play Store with sepsis search terms. To be included in this review, applications had to be in English, free and publicly available to download, and support sepsis-related healthcare in any age group. Two reviewers independently assessed app features, contents, clinical calculator function, and quality using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS).

Out of 317 identified apps, 16 met the inclusion criteria. These apps predominantly targeted healthcare professionals and supported many functions, such as education, diagnosis, management, clinical decision support, and clinical calculators. The mean MARS score of all apps was 3.25 out of 5 (SD 0.45), signifying acceptable app quality overall. The highest-scoring domain was information (mean 3.79, SD 0.59), and the lowest was engagement (mean 2.45, SD 0.43). Of 10 apps with clinical calculators, three (30%) had a calculation error.

Most sepsis-related mHealth apps currently available are designed for clinicians' use as clinical decision-support tools. While overall app quality was acceptable, errors in the calculator function were identified, highlighting the crucial need for better mHealth regulatory guidelines and quality control.