mHealth App Development: Current Practices and Future Perspectives

Benefits of mHealth app development: Although app development is a challenging area, mHealth app developers can create health apps with multiple benefits, for both patients and providers. Health care apps and e-patient portal apps can facilitate communication and research. Health professionals can prescribe apps and wearables to track treatment and medication adherence. With sophisticated audio and video capabilities, mobile devices and programs can help people with disabilities or users in remote locations access medical care. In addition, apps can boost a company’s revenue and reputation.

mHealth app development explained: Thus, the number of app developers is increasing. Developers can create apps from scratch for Android, iOS, and Windows operating systems. Note that previously, app developers have been criticized for creating high-end apps only for certain operating systems (e.g., Android). Application programming interfaces (APIs) can benefit app development, so different apps will meet different user needs (e.g., review prescription). The successful integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning is an essential factor for success in the field of mHealth app development. Nevertheless, as explained earlier, strict guidance is needed to support the process. We should mention that some apps have been taken down for promoting unhealthy choices (e.g., pro-smoking apps). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations are also needed to help providers and consumer choose a health app, which can improve patients’ well-being.

Areas of mHealth app development: Some of the most prominent areas of app development include wellness management, disease management, medication compliance, and self-diagnosis (Kao & Liebovitz, 2017):

• Wellness management app development: Wellness management apps and connected devices are among the most popular mHealth apps on the market. Advanced digital accessories can help users track health-related aspects, such as jogging, weight, sleep, and body mass. When it comes to food intake, for instance, online libraries can help consumers choose healthy meals and activities. Despite the increasing popularity of wellness management apps, developers must consider the fact there’s little evidence-based information about wellness app efficacy and effectiveness. Therefore, researchers, developers, and clinicians must collaborate to create app content based on vigorous medical testing. Interestingly, clinical trials reveal that social media channels can boost user engagement, so Help buttons and online support groups become crucial features in wellness app development.
• Disease management app development: Due to the fast pace of population aging, chronic diseases become one of the greatest burdens on global health. As a result, disease management apps are becoming more and more popular. From asthma to diabetes, such apps can help users manage their symptoms, log vital metrics, and track drug intake. When it comes to medication compliance, apps and journals can be highly beneficial. Such tools can set reminders, allow users to scan medications, and track side effects. In fact, medication adherence leads to a decrease in hospitalization readmissions. Nevertheless, app development must be based on clear standards to overcome any possible inconsistencies in content and feedback. Reminders and push notifications should be non-invasive and engaging.
• Mental health app development: Mental health is another popular area of research and health app development. Mental health software programs have the potential to improve mental health treatment and reduce fatal outcomes. Since conditions, such as depression and autism, are common, apps can be used to benefit people’s well-being and learning skills. Nevertheless, mental health apps are inconsistent; many appear and disappear from the online market without any evidence-based benefits or recommendations for further research. Studies even reveal that not many mental health apps integrate crucial principles like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). App developers must consult experts in the field of mental health to create products which can promote patients’ well-being. Last but not least, apps must be easy to use and personalized (Goodwin et al., 2016).
• Self-diagnosis app development: Self-diagnosis is also a promising field of health app development. Self-diagnosis apps can eliminate commuting and decrease waiting times. Such apps can benefit people in remote areas and resolve emergencies cases (e.g., bioterror attacks). Nevertheless, numerous risks may arise. For instance, self-diagnosis may lead to a delay in an actual medical diagnosis, which can be fatal. The vetting process also becomes questionable (e.g., taking and comparing pictures). To set an example, research showed that three of four self-diagnosis apps incorrectly classified more than 30% of melanomas. Although artificial intelligence and online libraries can support the diagnosis of a wide range of medical conditions, diagnoses should be validated by human health professionals. Standards and expert opinion must be implemented into health app development.
• Rehabilitation app development: Rehabilitation software programs are another prominent field in digital health. Apps that track posture, gait, and fine motor skills are highly beneficial, especially in older patients. Tablets, for instance, can benefit stroke rehabilitation (e.g., self-training of repetitive movements). Rehabilitation apps can also assist patients with their daily activities. Neurorehabilitation apps can integrate exercises with pictures and videos, which can support and motivate patients. Once again, app development must be based on scientific evidence and clear standards. What’s more, IT specialists must understand the real needs of users with neurological disorders to improve their well-being (Rodriguez et al., 2018).