Missing the mark for patient engagement: mHealth literacy strategies and behavior change processes in smoking cessation apps.
Samantha R Paige, Julia M Alber, Michael L Stellefson and 1 others
PMID 29153592WHAT IT FOUND
Most smoking cessation apps use plain language and behavioral change strategies, but few offer usability or interactive features.
They are static tools, not dynamic support systems. Providers should discuss these limitations with patients before recommending them.
Key findings
01Nearly half of the apps were cigarette trackers and 61% were created by independent developers.
02Apps included many plain language strategies but few usability and interactivity features.
03Hypnotherapy and informational apps used more behavioral processes than other app types.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study is a cross-sectional content analysis of apps available in January 2016, so findings may not reflect current app quality. The study did not test whether these apps actually help people quit smoking. Only 100 apps from iTunes were reviewed, which may not represent all available smoking cessation apps.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that apps with high user ratings or low cost provide effective behavior change support. The study found no relationship between these descriptive metrics and the quality of behavior change strategies or usability features.