Remote Testing Apps for Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Systematic Review of Published Articles and Systematic Search and Review of Public Smartphone Apps (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Many apps designed to remotely assess clinical status and monitor symptom evolution in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) exist. These may one day serve as an adjunct for in-person testing of persons with MS, providing valuable insight into disease course that is not accounted for by snapshots obtained from clinic visits. OBJECTIVE This study sought to review the current literature surrounding apps used for remote monitoring of persons with MS. METHODS A systematic review of published articles was conducted in January 2022 in 4 databases. The Apple App Store and the Google Play Store were also searched, and relevant apps were identified. RESULTS Eighteen articles and eighteen apps were included in this study. Although many MS-related apps exist, only ten apps were identified in the systematic review to have published literature surrounding their use. Twelve articles looked at convergence between app-based testing and neurological exam. Overall, correlation between app version of standardized tests and their traditional counterparts was moderate to strong. Some novel app-based tests had a stronger correlation with clinician-derived outcomes than traditional testing. App-based testing correlated well with Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite, but less so with Expanded Disability Status Scale; the latter correlated to a greater extent with patient quality of life scores. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that app-based testing may be used in lieu of some physical exams if or when the latter is not readily accessible for persons with MS.