Self-Management Support Apps for Spinal Cord Injury
Author Information
Author(s): Buis Lorraine, Newman Susan, Van de Winckel Ann, Bernard Renaldo M, Seijas Vanessa, Davis Micheal, Volkova Anel, Diviani Nicola, Lüscher Janina, Sabariego Carla
Primary Institution: Swiss Paraplegic Research
Hypothesis
An overview of self-management support apps for spinal cord injury is needed to understand their public availability and improve existing tools.
Conclusion
The identified apps have good overall quality but do not provide a comprehensive self-management approach for spinal cord injury.
Supporting Evidence
- The apps were launched between 2013 and 2021 and are available in 72 countries.
- Most apps focus on activities of daily living, physical activity promotion, health literacy, and therapeutic exercise.
- The mean Mobile App Rating Scale score was 3.86, indicating good overall quality.
Takeaway
This study looked at 13 apps that help people with spinal cord injuries manage their health, and while they are generally good, they could be better.
Methodology
A systematic search of app stores and a literature review were conducted to identify and evaluate self-management support apps for spinal cord injury.
Potential Biases
The majority of apps originated from the United States, which may not represent the needs of users from other regions.
Limitations
The study only searched two app stores and may have missed relevant apps; it also did not assess the content of privacy policies.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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