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Wali S, Demers C, Shah H, Wali H, Lim D, Naik N, Ghany A, Vispute A, Wali M, Keshavjee K. Evaluation of Heart Failure Apps to Promote Self-Care: Systematic App Search. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e13173. [PMID: 31710298 PMCID: PMC6878098 DOI: 10.2196/13173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease that affects over 1% of Canadians and at least 26 million people worldwide. With the continued rise in disease prevalence and an aging population, HF-related costs are expected to create a significant economic burden. Many mobile health (mHealth) apps have been developed to help support patients’ self-care in the home setting, but it is unclear if they are suited to the needs or capabilities of older adults. Objective This study aimed to identify HF apps and evaluate whether they met the criteria for optimal HF self-care. Methods We conducted a systematic search of all apps available exclusively for HF self-care across Google Play and the App Store. We then evaluated the apps according to a list of 25 major functions pivotal to promoting HF self-care for older adults. Results A total of 74 apps for HF self-care were identified, but only 21 apps were listed as being both HF and self-care specific. None of the apps had all 25 of the listed features for an adequate HF self-care app, and only 41% (31/74) apps had the key weight management feature present. HF Storylines received the highest functionality score (18/25, 72%). Conclusions Our findings suggest that currently available apps are not adequate for use by older adults with HF. This highlights the need for mHealth apps to refine their development process so that user needs and capabilities are identified during the design stage to ensure the usability of the app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahr Wali
- Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine Demers
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Hiba Shah
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Huda Wali
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Delphine Lim
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nirav Naik
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmad Ghany
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Maya Wali
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Karim Keshavjee
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,InfoClin Inc, Toronto, ON, Canada
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