The Barriers and Facilitators to the use of Lifestyle Apps: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Mobile Health applications are revolutionising the way healthcare is being delivered. However, current research focusses on apps aimed at monitoring of conditions rather than the prevention of disease. Healthcare apps that prevent disease can be classified as Lifestyle apps (LAs) and encompass mindfulness, exercise and diet apps. In order for widespread implementation of these apps, perspectives of the user must be taken into consideration. Therefore, this systematic literature review identifies the barriers and facilitators to the use of LAs from a user's perspective. OBJECTIVE To both identify the facilitators to the use of LAs from a user perspective as well as identify the barriers to the use of LAs from a user perspective. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Qualitative articles focussed on a healthy non-diseased population were obtained. Two independent researchers coded the articles and themes were identified. RESULTS Our results found that there were 5 barriers and 5 facilitators to app use. The Facilitators included (1) Motivational Aspects to the User, (2) Effective Marketing and Communication (3) User-Centred Design and Content (4) Humanising Technology (5) Accessibility. The 5 barriers identified were (1) A Non-Conducive, (2) Poor Marketing and Branding (3) Controlling and Invasive, (4) Disengaging Content (5) Inaccessibility CONCLUSIONS By overcoming the barriers of LAs and encouraging the facilitators found, users are more likely to engage with this method of health promotion. Future research must be conducted on the barriers and facilitators to development and distribution of apps in order for LAs to be implemented in widespread healthcare practice. CLINICALTRIAL N/A