Study: Heart failure monitoring apps need more 'refinement'

Very few apps providing heart failure symptom monitoring are of high quality, and greater effort is needed for better adherence to specific guidelines and quality improvement.

That’s the finding of a study assessing 34 heart failure (HF) apps using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics report and the Heart Failure Society of America guidelines, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

The median MARS score was a 3.4 out of 5, and 23 of the 34 apps achieved a minimum acceptability score.  The study found that while the apps for the most part allowed patients to record data and could draw data from other sources, few of them gave the patients guidance on that information or alerts on symprtoms and medications.

“Our review highlights the need for further refinement and mapping to guidelines and room for overall quality improvement in HF symptom monitoring and self-care related apps. To ensure engagement, ease of use, and aesthetics, patients also need to be involved in the development of the mHealth apps,” according to the study's authors.

Apps are increasingly being used for cardiac disease treatment and management, as FierceMobileHealthcare has reported, with one study claiming the use of an app during cardia rehab can stem hospital re-admittance. In addition, a recent Mayo Clinic research trial revealed digital tools, such as mHealth apps, can help cardiac patients lose weight, live a healthier lifestyle and boost heart health.

In the JMIR study’s conclusion, researchers acknowledge the value of such apps and the potential for advanced care management.

“Our review highlights the need for further refinement and mapping to guidelines and room for overall quality improvement in HF symptom monitoring and self-care related apps. To ensure engagement, ease of use, and aesthetics, patients also need to be involved in the development of the mHealth apps,” states the report.

For more information:
- read the study