Description
Advances in smartphone technology and mobile health (mHealth) have made it possible for patients to monitor and manage their cardiac conditions, such as Atrial Fibrillation (AF). This review identified and assessed patient-targeted apps, which leveraged native smartphone capabilities. Three major app marketplaces were queried with standard search terms (e.g. “Atrial fibrillation”, “ECG”, “Heart rhythm”, “Cardiac arrhythmia”). The resulting 1,473 apps were then screened to identify AF specific patient-targeted apps. Apps were largely excluded for content aimed at clinical, non-patient audiences (n=302); or content solely for entertainment purposes (n=402). While a portion of apps provided pulse data, they failed to measure cardiac rhythm (n=70). A total of 13 apps were identified for further evaluation of quality and functionality using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionality scores; and their overall adherence to evidence-based guidelines. The average MARS score was 3.0 out of 5; nine of 13 had scores of 3.0 or greater, the minimum acceptability score (IRR=0.75-0.83). Afib Companion had the highest overall MARS score (4.1), followed by Qardio and Photo Afib Detector (both scored 3.6). The most common functionalities were record, display, and collect data; allowing patients to track cardiac rhythm and medication adherence and view trends in self-reporting. None of the apps adhered to all the evidence-based guidelines for AF management. Future app development should aim to adhere with evidence-based guidelines and offer greater functionality to better meet the self-management needs of this patient population.
Learning Objective: Learn the quality and functionality of commercially available mobile Health (mHealth) applications in the monitoring and management of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors:
Victoria Jimenez (Presenter)
Weill Cornell Medicine
Samuel Isaac, Weill Cornell Medicine
Munther Alshalabi, Weill Cornell Medicine
Ruth Masterson Creber, Weill Cornell Medicine
Meghan Reading Turchioe, Weill Cornell Medicine
Presentation Materials: