Mobile Applications for Self-management of Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review

Benjamin Stahr, Sebastian Fudickar, Christian Lins

2022

Abstract

Objectives: Since apps have been gaining popularity, they are also used to support the treatment of chronic diseases. However, the effectiveness of these measures has not been fully confirmed. This review deals with features that make these apps effective. Methods: In this structured literature survey, relevant studies from the year 2014 to 2019 were identified. Inclusion criteria were that the study included an app that was used to alleviate symptoms of chronic diseases or was intended to support the preventive treatment of patients. Results: Ten studies were examined in detail, of which seven found significant effects. Factors, which increase the effectiveness of mHealth apps include easy integration into everyday life, appropriate training of users, tailoring the app to the target group, focusing on improving the relationship between user and disease, and user-specific treatment of symptoms. Tracking of symptoms, education, and a chat can also increase effectiveness. Conclusions: Most of the papers reviewed showed a positive impact of mobile apps on chronic disease progression. However, a negative factor was also identified, in which patients became more involved with their illnesses as a result of the intervention, which increased the perceived severity of the illness and thus reduced the quality of life.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Stahr B., Fudickar S. and Lins C. (2022). Mobile Applications for Self-management of Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review. In Proceedings of the 15th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies (BIOSTEC 2022) - Volume 5: HEALTHINF; ISBN 978-989-758-552-4, SciTePress, pages 542-548. DOI: 10.5220/0010846200003123

in Bibtex Style

@conference{healthinf22,
author={Benjamin Stahr and Sebastian Fudickar and Christian Lins},
title={Mobile Applications for Self-management of Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 15th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies (BIOSTEC 2022) - Volume 5: HEALTHINF},
year={2022},
pages={542-548},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0010846200003123},
isbn={978-989-758-552-4},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 15th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies (BIOSTEC 2022) - Volume 5: HEALTHINF
TI - Mobile Applications for Self-management of Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review
SN - 978-989-758-552-4
AU - Stahr B.
AU - Fudickar S.
AU - Lins C.
PY - 2022
SP - 542
EP - 548
DO - 10.5220/0010846200003123
PB - SciTePress