A review and content analysis of hemophilia applications: Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) Approach

Abstract

Abstract Background Mobile health technology has the potential to break down conventional boundaries in the healthcare industry by providing healthcare in any environment, reducing distance, time, and cost, and bringing comfort and peace to patients. Despite the increasing availability of mobile health applications for hemophilia management, no study has yet used a valid tool to evaluate these applications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and content of hemophilia-related mobile applications using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) scale. Methods In March 2023, two app stores, namely, the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android), were searched for applications related to hemophilia self-care. Based on MeSH terms, the search keywords used included "hemophilia", "haemophilia", "hemophilia A", and "hemophilia B". The inclusion criteria included applications developed for hemophilia sufferers, being related to hemophilia, being in the English language, being free, and being available in the mentioned app stores. After determining the final number of applications based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, they were independently reviewed, rated, and evaluated by three reviewers using the MARS tools. Results A total of 69 applications were initially found, with 30 from Google Play and 39 from the Apple App Store. Following the exclusion process, seven selected applications were downloaded and analyzed. Based on their contents and interactive capabilities, all applications were divided into three groups. In the domains of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and app subjective quality, MicroHealth Hemophilia and Robust Health (5 out of 5), my WAPPS and HaemActive and MicroHealth Hemophilia and Robust Health (4.75 out of 5), Robust Health (5 out of 5), my WAPPS (4.28 out of 5), and my WAPPS (5 out of 5) applications received the highest points, respectively. Conclusions This study compiled a list of seven mobile applications intended to improve access to hemophilia-related information, patient care management, teleconsultation, and self-assessment. The findings indicate that very few applications meet the prespecified criteria for quality, content, or functionality. This highlights the need for further refinement and mapping to evidence-based guidelines, as well as overall quality improvement in hemophilia symptom monitoring and self-care-related applications.