Methods Used to Evaluate mHealth Applications for Cardiovascular Disease: A Quasi-Systematic Scoping Review

Felix Holl, Jennifer Kircher, Walter J. Swoboda and Johannes Schobel
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Felix Holl: DigiHealth Institute, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, 89231 Neu-Ulm, Germany
Jennifer Kircher: DigiHealth Institute, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, 89231 Neu-Ulm, Germany
Walter J. Swoboda: DigiHealth Institute, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, 89231 Neu-Ulm, Germany
Johannes Schobel: DigiHealth Institute, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, 89231 Neu-Ulm, Germany

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 23, 1-16

Abstract: In the face of demographic change and constantly increasing health care costs, health care system decision-makers face ever greater challenges. Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) have the potential to combat this trend. However, in order to integrate mHealth apps into care structures, an evaluation of such apps is needed. In this paper, we focus on the criteria and methods of evaluating mHealth apps for cardiovascular disease and the implications for developing a widely applicable evaluation framework for mHealth interventions. Our aim is to derive substantiated patterns and starting points for future research by conducting a quasi-systematic scoping review of relevant peer-reviewed literature published in English or German between 2000 and 2021. We screened 4066 articles and identified n = 38 studies that met our inclusion criteria. The results of the data derived from these studies show that usability, motivation, and user experience were evaluated primarily using standardized questionnaires. Usage protocols and clinical outcomes were assessed primarily via laboratory diagnostics and quality-of-life questionnaires, and cost effectiveness was tested primarily based on economic measures. Based on these findings, we propose important considerations and elements for the development of a common evaluation framework for professional mHealth apps, including study designs, data collection tools, and perspectives.

Keywords: mobile health; cardiovascular diseases; evaluation methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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