A systematic evaluation of primary headache management apps leveraging behavior change techniques

Abstract

Background Mobile health apps have the potential to promote adherence to headache management through the use of evidence-based behavior change techniques (e.g., self-monitoring). While many headache management apps exist, the extent to which these apps include behavior change techniques remains unknown. Thus, the present study systematically evaluated the content and quality of commercially available headache management apps. Methods Headache apps were identified using a systematic search in the Apple App and Google Play stores. A total of 55 apps were evaluated using the taxonomy of behavior change techniques and app quality using the Mobile App Rating Scale. Results Headache management apps included 0–14 behavior change techniques (Mean [M] = 5.89) and 0–8 headache management behavior change techniques (M = 4.29). App quality ranged from 2.84–4.67 (M = 3.73) out of 5.00. Three apps, Migraine Trainer, Easeday: Headache & Migraine, and PainScale, included the highest number of overall and headache management behavior change techniques along with good quality scores. Conclusions While randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine the efficacy of individual headache apps, most existing apps include evidence-based headache management behavior change techniques. Headache apps often focus on either self-monitoring or stress management via relaxation training, suggesting that patients’ needs should be used to inform app selection.

Headache providers' perspectives of headache diaries in the era of increasing technology use: a qualitative study

“…Providers frequently expressed a desire for apps providing behavioral intervention specifically for migraine. Reviews of the mobile health landscape for behavioral migraine therapy suggest a need for expert-reviewed apps and note that migraine-specific apps usually function as electronic headache diaries rather than offering behavioral interventions ( 18 – 20 ). In a recent review of headache management apps, 55 were identified, and only 18% included relaxation training such as diaphragmatic breathing or progressive muscle relaxation ( 20 ).…”

“…Reviews of the mobile health landscape for behavioral migraine therapy suggest a need for expert-reviewed apps and note that migraine-specific apps usually function as electronic headache diaries rather than offering behavioral interventions ( 18 – 20 ). In a recent review of headache management apps, 55 were identified, and only 18% included relaxation training such as diaphragmatic breathing or progressive muscle relaxation ( 20 ). Notably, apps with relaxation training did not have self-monitoring components for users to track their headache-related symptoms ( 20 ).…”

“…In a recent review of headache management apps, 55 were identified, and only 18% included relaxation training such as diaphragmatic breathing or progressive muscle relaxation ( 20 ). Notably, apps with relaxation training did not have self-monitoring components for users to track their headache-related symptoms ( 20 ). Providers who wish to recommend an app with the inclusion of self-monitoring and behavioral intervention have limited options, resulting in a need to recommend more than one app.…”

Healthy Dwelling: Design of Biophilic Interior Environments Fostering Self-Care Practices for People Living with Migraines, Chronic Pain, and Depression

“…To this end, the Biophilic Design Matrix has been proposed to facilitate the implementation of biophilic attributes by interior designers [ 22 , 159 , 160 ]. Future prospects for therapeutic interior environments can also include integration with digital health technologies for migraines [ 161 , 162 ], chronic pain [ 163 , 164 ] and depression [ 165 , 166 ]. It is appealing to suggest that integrated healthcare systems such as Sanford Health, Kaiser Permanente, Intermountain Healthcare, Trinity Health and others may consider partnerships with architectural firms and interior design companies to create, validate and implement residential and commercial interior environments for people living with diverse chronic diseases.…”

Digital headache self‐management interventions for patients with a primary headache disorder: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

“…Patients may benefit from a referral for headache management interventions that combine digital technologies with health-care provider interactions or recommendations for self-directed digital headache interventions, which may be a more feasible approach in busy clinic settings. Although efficacy testing has only been carried out in a few headache management apps,41,47,48 ratings of headache management apps for inclusion of evidence-based behavioral strategies and relaxation training are available59 and provide a starting point for "prescribing" headache digital interventions and tools for patients and families.…”