Connected Health in Multiple Sclerosis: a mobile applications review

TL;DR

This systematic review identifies and analyzes 25 mobile health applications related to Multiple Sclerosis, highlighting a focus on information and disease management, and revealing a gap in available mHealth resources for MS patients.

Contribution

First comprehensive review of MS-related mobile apps, assessing their features, target audience, and development, and identifying gaps in current mHealth resources.

Findings

Majority of apps focus on disease information

Many apps are centered on treatment and management

Significant gap in specialized MS mHealth tools

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease that can adversely affect any body function; this often requires persons with MS to be active patients who are able to self-manage. There are currently thousands of health applications available but it is unknown how many concern MS. We conducted a systematic review of all MS apps present in the most popular app stores (iTunes and Google Play store) on June 2016 to identify all relevant MS apps. After discarding non-MS related apps and duplicates, only a total of 25 MS apps were identified. App description contents and features were explored to assess target audience, functionalities, and developing entities. The vast majority of apps were focused on disease and treatment information with disease management being a close second. This is the first study that reviews MS apps and it highlights an interesting gap in the current repertoire of MS mHealth resources.