Is there an app for that? A Systematic Search and Analysis of mHealth apps in the digital marketplace for pediatric cancer patients (Preprint)

Abstract

The significant increase in smart phone ownership has led to a rise in mobile health (mHealth) app use. This type of app aims to improve patient outcomes by reducing barriers to recovery through various features. Developing tailored features through mHealth apps creates a pathway to address healthcare needs of pediatric cancer patients and their families who have complex care needs. However, few apps are designed specifically to integrate with pediatric cancer care.

This study reports a systematic search and analysis findings of mHealth apps available on the Apple App and Google Play Store, designed for managing pediatric cancer through a list of features that serve patients, caregivers, or both audiences.

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed apps for pediatric cancer patients and caregivers that were available as of January 2024. We searched the Apple App and Google Play Stores with a list of keyword combinations focusing on pediatric cancer care. Inclusion criteria were (a) specifically targeted apps on pediatric oncology patients, their families, or both; (b) available in either app store, and (c) available in English (not exclusively). Once identified, apps were assessed by reviewing their features, user ratings, and app store information with descriptive analysis.

In total, 22 apps were identified, and 17 of those apps were available on both platforms. The most popular features (n=12) amongst the selection in order were resource sharing, symptom tracking, reminders, care team connections, journaling, community support, medication tracking, data visualizations, appointment tracking, health activity data, data sharing, and integration with other health apps. These platforms designed their features and interface for caregivers (n=9) more frequently than the patients (n=7) while a subset of apps created options for both users (n=6). Out of 18 apps with publicly available reviews, 16 of them were rated highly (M=4.4, Min=3.1, Max=5.0, SD=0.59). A small subset (n=3) achieved over 5000 downloads while the remaining 19 apps had fewer than 500. Despite the growing inclusivity of multilingual platforms, more than half of the apps (n=12) were not publicly available in languages other than English. Apps that required extra hardware or software requested access to a range of device functionalities (M=2.72, Min=0, Max=10, SD=3.13).

Our review highlights the promising yet underdeveloped potential of mHealth apps in pediatric oncology care, underscoring the urgent need for more inclusive, comprehensive, and integrative digital health solutions. Future developments should actively involve key stakeholders from the pediatric oncology community, including patients, families, and healthcare professionals, to ensure the apps meet specific needs while addressing linguistic and cultural barriers. Our findings could guide developers, patients and caregivers, and healthcare providers towards understanding the state of pediatric oncology mHealth and approaches to enhancing existing platforms.