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Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1574-8928
ISSN (Online): 2212-3970

Research Article

The Validity of Mobile Applications to Facilitate Patient Care Provided to Cancer Patients: Opportunities and Limitations

Author(s): Haneen Amawi*, Sayer Al-Azzam, Tasnim Alzanati , Neveen Altamimi, Alaa Hammad , Karem H. Alzoubi , Charles R. Ashby and Amit K. Tiwari

Volume 17, Issue 2, 2022

Published on: 28 July, 2021

Page: [204 - 213] Pages: 10

DOI: 10.2174/1574892816666210728122304

Price: $65

Open Access Journals Promotions 2
Abstract

Background: The use of health-related applications (apps) on smartphones has become widespread. This is especially of value during the ongoing SAR-COV-2 pandemic, where accessibility to health care services has been greatly limited. Patients with free access to apps can obtain information to improve their understanding and management of health issues. Currently, there are cancer-related apps available on iPhones and androids. However, there are no guidelines to control these apps and ensure their quality. Furthermore, these apps may significantly modify the patients’ perception and knowledge about drug-related health services.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the convenience, quality, safety and efficacy of apps for cancer patient care.

Methods: The study was conducted by searching all apps related to cancer care on both Google Play Store and Apple iTunes Store. A detailed assessment was then performed using the mobile application rating scale (MARS) and risk assessment tools.

Results: The results indicated that on a scale from 1-5, 47% of the apps were rated ≥ 4. The MARS assessment of the apps yielded an overall quality rating of 3.38 ± 0.9 (mean ± SD). The visual appeal of the app was found to have a significant effect on app functionality and user engagement. The potential benefits of these apps come with challenges and limitations. Patents related to smartphone applications targeting patients were also discussed.

Conclusion: We recommend a greater emphasis toward producing evidence-based apps. These apps should be rigorously tested, evaluated and updated by experts, particularly clinical pharmacists. Also, these apps may alter patient attitudes toward services provided by physicians and pharmacists. Finally, these apps should not replace in-person interactive health services.

Keywords: Cancer apps, health services, cancer Care, google play, health Apps, smartphone mobile.

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