NYMC Faculty Publications

Mobile Phone Apps for Pelvic Floor Disorders

Author Type(s)

Student, Faculty

DOI

10.1097/SPV.0000000000001541

Journal Title

Urogynecology

First Page

998

Last Page

1004

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Department

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Importance Up to 50% of patients report not readily seeking treatment for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). The increase in phone applications (apps) for health care information is an opportunity to increase access to care. Objective The aim of the study was to systematically evaluate content and function of apps for patients with PFDs. Study Design Apps were screened using PFD-related search terms. Included apps were on the Apple store, in English, and targeted patients with PFDs. The primary outcome was app quality based on the APPLICATIONS scoring system (scored 0-16). Secondary outcomes included professional medical involvement, iTunes rating details, the presence of a voiding/bowel diary, tracking of diet, pain/symptoms, exercise, and medication, graphing or social functions, reminders, disease information, and decision support. Data was reported with descriptive statistics (medians (ranges) and n (percentages). Results Eight hundred forty apps were identified and 83 were analyzed. The top 3 PFD categories represented were defecatory dysfunction (29), overactive bladder (28), and stress incontinence (27). The median APPLICATIONS score was 7 (3-12). Most apps (78%) were developed without professional medical involvement. Most apps were free, while the remainder ranged from $1.99 to $4.99. No app had all features. Twenty-five apps (30%) included a voiding diary, 33 (40%) had a bowel diary, 27 (33%) included exercise tracking, and 44 (53%) had reminder systems. Conclusions Most apps had reasonable, but not high, functionality. Current apps provide varying degrees of overall utility, with limited disease information and decision support. Further collaboration with medical providers in app development would support better integration of clinician and patient needs.

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