Trends in user ratings and reviews of a popular yet inaccurate blood pressure-measuring smartphone app.
Citation: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. 2018 Jun 07PMID: 29878236Institution: MedStar Union Memorial HospitalDepartment: Internal MedicineForm of publication: Journal ArticleMedline article type(s): Journal ArticleSubject headings: IN PROCESS -- NOT YET INDEXEDYear: 2018ISSN:- 1067-5027
Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
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Journal Article | MedStar Authors Catalog | Article | 29878236 | Available | 29878236 |
Discussion: User reviews and ratings of a popular, inaccurate BP-measuring app were positive and uncommonly commented on its inaccuracy. Disclaimers attempting to prevent medical use of the app were ineffective. These findings support the need for more rigorous regulatory review of apps prior to their release.
Materials and Methods: All iTunes app reviews for IBP v1.2.3 were downloaded and assessed for themes by two reviewers. Summary statistics for themes were tabulated with their associated star ratings.
Objective: To understand whether user reviews of Instant Blood Pressure (IBP), an inaccurate, unregulated BP-measuring app reflected IBP's inaccuracy, to understand drivers for high and low ratings, and to understand if disclaimers prevented medical use.
Results: Common themes included perceived accuracy (42% of all reviews, star rating mean 4.8, median 5), inaccuracy (10%, 2.0, 1), and convenience (34%, 4.7, 5). Nine percent documented IBP use in medical conditions (4.6, 5), and 2% mentioned IBP's disclaimer (2.7, 3).
English