Process and Outcome Evaluations of Smartphone Apps for Bipolar Disorder: Scoping Review

Which criteria are important in usability evaluation of mHealth applications: an umbrella review

INTRODUCTION

Usability plays a critical role in the design of mHealth applications. A well-designed app enhances user experience and contributes to better healthcare outcomes. However, it remains unclear which usability criteria are often neglected, leading to issues in the actual use of these applications. This study aimed to identify and categorize the usability issues of mHealth applications, mapping them to Nielsen's usability principles to determine the most critical criteria.

METHODS

The PRISMA guidelines were followed to report the results. Different databases (PubMed, Scopus, WoS) were searched for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses about usability evaluation in mHealth applications. Two reviewers independently applied predefined selection criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the AMSTAR tool.

RESULTS

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The most common method used in studies to evaluate the usability of mHealth applications was the questionnaire. Researchers identified 79 usability issues from the studies. Eleven of the issues were related to the Aesthetic and minimalist design category. The category of Flexibility and efficiency of use was next (n = 10).

CONCLUSION

This study identified the usability issues that individuals face when using mHealth applications. By mapping these issues to evaluation criteria, developers can systematically address and prevent them. Attention to these issues will lead to better design and more effective use of mHealth applications.

Comprehensive synthesis of mHealth interventions in psychiatry: insights from systematic, scoping, narrative reviews and content analysis

INTRODUCTION

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, including smartphone apps and wearables, have improved health care by providing innovative solutions for monitoring, education and treatment, particularly in mental health.

METHOD

This review synthesises findings from a series of reviews on mHealth interventions in psychiatry. Publications were systematically searched in PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Out of 2147 records, 111 studies from 2014 to 2024 focusing on anxiety and depression were included. These studies highlight the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in reducing symptoms through cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness and psychoeducation, benefitting adolescents, perinatal women and marginalised groups. Additionally, mHealth shows promise in managing substance use disorders and severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and psychosis.

CONCLUSION

Despite positive outcomes, challenges such as data privacy, user engagement and healthcare integration persist. Further robust trials and evidence-based research are needed to validate the efficacy of mHealth technologies.