An exploratory empirical analysis of the quality of mobile health apps

Abstract

Introduction: Owning a smartphone is now almost a given, and with smartphone use comes the benefit of access to a large pool of apps on every topic conceivable, including health. So, it is not surprising that mHealth apps development is on the rise, as is the use of mHealth apps. However, unlike apps intended for other purposes, the use of mHealth apps carry, not only the advantage of improved health but also the burdens of potential misuse, misleading content and possible security breach of personal data. In this paper, we attempt to evaluate the possible hazards of some of the most popular mHealth apps in app stores from France. Objectives: To (1) examine the top 10 most downloaded health apps in term of security and transparency of content (2) identify the trends of the most downloaded apps (3) to assess the applicability of the mHONcode guidelines to identify main issues on health apps (4) to describe the still main risks of health apps and (5) to propose basic rules to overcome them. Results: As expected, the 10 apps displayed varying degrees of quality and trustworthiness or lack thereof. Only 20% of the apps disclose the editorial team and the funding source. 80% of the apps use tracking tools such as analytics, crash reporting without prior consent or before the consent. 2 out of 10 apps did not used a https web address for health content and advertisement display. One app activates the location functionality without any justification in the app. Conclusion As was the case for online health information more than 2 decades ago, the lack of uniformity of the trustworthiness of mHealth apps is worrying and could have some serious public health concerns. And just like the HONcode was required then, the mHONcode is required now to ensure the regulation of health apps, thus providing the end-user with trustworthy and quality tools to help in the management and maintenance of their healthcare.