Journal article
Improved readability and functions needed for mHealth apps targeting patients with heart failure: An app store review
Research in nursing & health, Vol.44(1), pp.71-80
02/2021
DOI: 10.1002/nur.22078
PMCID: PMC8270757
PMID: 33107056
Abstract
To maintain their quality of life and avoid hospitalization and early mortality, patients with heart failure must recognize and respond to symptoms of exacerbation. A promising method for engaging patients in their self-care is through mobile health applications (mHealth apps). However, for mHealth to have its greatest chance for improving patient outcomes, the app content must be readable, provide useful functions and be based in evidence. The study aimed to determine: (1) readability, (2) types of functions, and (3) linkage to authoritative sources of evidence for self-care focused mHealth apps targeting heart failure patients that are available in the Apple and Google Play Stores. We systematically searched for mHealth apps targeting patients with heart failure in the Apple and Google Play Stores and applied selection criteria. Readability of randomly selected informational paragraphs were determined using Flesch–Kincaid grade level test tool in Microsoft Word. Ten mHealth apps met our criteria. Only one had a reading grade level at or below the recommended 6th grade reading level (average 9.35). The most common functions were tracking, clinical data feedback, and non-data-based reminders and alerts. Only three had statements that clearly linked the mHealth app content to trustworthy, evidence-based sources. Only two had interoperability with the electronic health record and only one had a communication feature with clinicians. Future mHealth designs that are tailored to patients’ literacy level and have advanced functions may hold greater potential for improving patient outcomes.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Improved readability and functions needed for mHealth apps targeting patients with heart failure: An app store review
- Creators
- Karen Dunn Lopez - University of IowaSena Chae - University of IowaGirgis Michele - Creighton UniversityDan Fraczkowski - University of Illinois ChicagoPantea Habibi - University of Illinois ChicagoDebaleena Chattopadhyay - University of Illinois ChicagoSara B. Donevant - University of South Carolina
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Research in nursing & health, Vol.44(1), pp.71-80
- DOI
- 10.1002/nur.22078
- PMID
- 33107056
- PMCID
- PMC8270757
- NLM abbreviation
- Res Nurs Health
- ISSN
- 0160-6891
- eISSN
- 1098-240X
- Grant note
- DOI: 10.13039/100000054, name: National Cancer Institute, award: R01 CA225446‐01
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 02/2021
- Academic Unit
- Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9984368083302771
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