EULAR points to consider for the development, evaluation and implementation of mobile health applications aiding self-management in people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

Abstract

BackgroundMobile health applications (apps) are available to enable people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) to better self-manage their health. However, guidance on the development and evaluation of such apps is lacking.ObjectivesThe objective of this EULAR task force was to establish points to consider (PtC) for the development, evaluation and implementation of apps for self-management of RMDs.MethodsA systematic literature review of app content and development strategies was conducted, followed by patient focus group and an online survey. Based on this information and along with task force expert opinion, PtC were formulated in a face-to-face meeting by a multidisciplinary task force panel of experts, including two patient research partners. The level of agreement among the panel in regard to each PtC was established by anonymous online voting.ResultsThree overarching principles and 10 PtC were formulated. Three PtC are related to patient safety, considered as a critical issue by the panel. Three are related to relevance of the content and functionalities. The requirement for transparency around app development and funding sources, along with involvement of relevant health professionals, were also raised. Ease of app access across ages and abilities was highlighted, in addition to considering the cost benefit of apps from the outset. The level of agreement was from 8.8 to 9.9 out of 10.ConclusionThese EULAR PtC provide guidance on important aspects that should be considered for the development, evaluation and implementation of existing and new apps.

Mobile Health Usage, Preferences, Barriers, and eHealth Literacy in Rheumatology: Patient Survey Study

“…Recently the European League Against Rheumatism and Working Group Young Rheumatology of the German Society for Rheumatology ( Arbeitsgemeinschaft Junge Rheumatologie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie ) published recommendations for the development of mobile apps in rheumatology [ 11 , 12 ]. The early integration of patients in the app development process was stressed in both papers.…”

Smartphone Apps Targeting Physical Activity in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Quality Appraisal and Content Analysis

“…Despite guidance for the development and evaluation of mobile apps [ 25 , 40 ], the quality ratings of the apps included in our review were mixed. This finding is consistent with reviews of publicly available rheumatology self-management apps [ 20 - 22 ] and apps targeting PA and exercise in the general population [ 41 , 42 ].…”

“…This is broadly similar to our findings and suggests that the included apps were intuitive, logical to follow, easy to learn and navigate, which is particularly important for people with RA who may have fatigue or hand and wrist disability [ 44 , 45 ]. However, the apps achieved lower ratings for information quality and engagement and to optimize utility, app content should be high quality, interesting, simple to understand, and have the option to be tailored with user data [ 25 ].…”

“…Recommendations suggest that the safety, quality, and content of self-management apps (including PA apps) for people with RA should be considered during all stages of development, evaluation, and implementation [ 25 ]. Features such as engagement, esthetics, functionality, and information quality should be assessed using reliable tools, such as the mobile app rating scale (MARS) [ 26 ].…”

Identifying best approaches for engaging patients and family members in health informatics initiatives: a case study of the Group Priority Sort technique

“…However, there remains a paucity of guidance on how to implement patient engagement in health IT initiatives, which includes making decisions related to the acquisition, development, implementation and evaluation of health IT (e.g., patient portals, mobile apps) and frequently forms the backbone of health IT success [13,14]. While the uptake of health IT [15] has resulted in over $16 billion in estimated benefits to Canadians between 2007 to 2015 [16], in many cases healthcare organizations have not consistently taken full advantage of health IT [17].…”