Involving users in the evaluation of apps for specific health conditions

Abstract

With rapid growth of Internet accessibility over recent years, the way in which we engage with healthcare services and make decisions about our own healthcare has changed. One form of engagement with the Internet is through the use of mobile applications (apps) via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. As a result of this, many apps have been developed to target people with varying long term conditions. These apps may aim to help educate individuals about their condition or help them to manage it. Assessing the quality of these apps is crucial especially when considering the risks associated with providing misleading information or unsubstantiated claims. This has led to a growing body of research assessing the quality of apps aimed at people living with varying long term conditions. These attempts have not involved service users to address the suitability of apps for their intended target audiences. This paper presents two examples of how service users and associated healthcare professionals can be involved in the suitability assessment of mobile apps for children and young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and those living with dementia.