Review and Evaluation of mHealth Apps in Solid Organ Transplantation: Past, Present, and Future.

ABSTRACT

With the rapid and widespread expansion of smartphone availability and usage, mobile health (mHealth) has become a viable multipurpose treatment medium for the US healthcare system. Methods: The purpose of this review is to identify posttransplant mHealth applications that support patient self-management or a patient-provider relationship and aim to improve clinical outcomes. The interventions were then analyzed and evaluated to identify current gaps and future needs of mHealth apps in solid organ transplantation. Results: The authors found a nearly universal dichotomy between perceived utility and sustained use, with most studies demonstrating significant attrition during the course of the intervention. In addition, interoperability continues to be a challenge. Conclusions: The authors present potential methods for mitigating the identified barriers and gaps in mHealth apps for solid organ transplant recipients.