A research from Ulster College College of Computing which analysed 1,500 digital well being apps, has concluded that consumer scores and obtain charges are unreliable indicators of their high quality.
The ‘Don’t choose a ebook or well being app by its cowl research‘, revealed within the PLOS ONE journal in March 2024, examined information from apps supplied by the Organisation for the Overview of Care and Well being Apps (ORCHA).
Researchers assessed the standard of the apps towards their consumer scores and variety of downloads, as a part of a PhD programme in 2021-2024.
They explored the extent of proof behind the app, whether or not it was user-friendly and accessible, and areas together with information safety and privateness.
Professor Raymond Bond, professor of human laptop techniques at Ulster College and chair of the analysis mission, mentioned in a press launch revealed on 3 June, 2024: “Our analysis underscores the significance of wanting past metrics like consumer scores and the variety of app downloads when evaluating digital well being apps.
“Whereas these metrics could affect consumer perceptions, our analysis exhibits that they don’t essentially mirror the standard, effectiveness, security or reliability of those healthcare apps.”
He added: “Relying solely on consumer scores and obtain counts might result in misguided choices and, finally, undermine public belief in digital well being applied sciences”.
The research highlighted the necessity for customers and healthcare suppliers prescribing the apps to rethink the metrics they use to evaluate the standard of digital well being apps.
It additionally advocates for the prioritisation of rigorous analysis processes, in order that stakeholders – together with healthcare professionals recommending apps to sufferers – can make sure that digital instruments meet prime quality requirements and make a constructive contribution to affected person care and wellbeing.
Liz Ashall-Payne, founding CEO of ORCHA, mentioned: “This analysis emphasises the necessity for complete analysis to make sure that digital well being apps meet the best requirements of security, effectiveness and reliability.
“By prioritising rigorous assessments, we will information healthcare suppliers and customers in direction of higher selections, finally bettering well being outcomes and constructing belief in digital well being options.”
Professor Maurice Mulvenna, professor of laptop science at Ulster College, mentioned: “Because the digital well being panorama continues to evolve, research like these function an important reminder that appearances could be misleading.
“In delving deeper into the substance of digital well being apps and by prioritising evidence-based analysis, we will help customers to make knowledgeable choices and harness the total potential of expertise in advancing well being outcomes”.
The research means that extra might to be accomplished to help customers in recognising high-quality well being apps, comparable to bettering digital well being literacy coaching and the availability of nationally endorsed ‘libraries’ such because the ORCHA Digital Well being Formulary, which launched in March 2023.