Analysis of Publicly Available German Mobile Apps for Psoriasis Patients using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The visibility of the erythematous plaques on the skin as well as the pain and itch caused by the skin lesions frequently leads to psychological distress in patients. Smartphone apps are widespread, easily accessible and could effectively complement current management strategies of psoriasis patients. OBJECTIVE To systematically identify and objectively assess the quality of currently publicly available German apps for psoriasis patients and compile brief, ready-to-use app descriptions. METHODS We conducted a systematic search and assessment of German apps for psoriasis patients available in the Google Play and Apple App Store. The identified apps were randomly assigned to and independently rated using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) by three reviewers. Apps were ranked accordingly to their mean MARS rating and the highest ranked app was evaluated independently by two psoriasis patients using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). App information, including origin, main function and technical aspects and was congregated. RESULTS In total, we were able to identify 95 different apps for psoriasis, of which 15 were available in both app stores, 5 were not specifically intended for psoriasis patients and 1 was designed for clinical trials only. Consequently, the remaining nine apps were included in the final evaluation. Mean MARS score varied between 3.51 and 4.18. The app with the highest mean MARS score was “Psoriasis Helferin” (4.18/5) . When rated by patients, the app was rated lower in all MARS subcategories, resulting in a mean uMARS score of 3.48. CONCLUSIONS App quality was heterogenous and only a minority of identified apps was available in both app stores. The discrepant patient results highlight the importance of involving patients when developing and evaluating health apps. CLINICALTRIAL Deutsches Register klinische Studien (DRKS): DRKS00020963