LAUSR

Background: Smartphone apps are readily accessible eHealth tools that may support the self-management of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, knowledge on the availability and quality of apps targeted to this population is limited. Objectives: To identify smartphone apps targeted to patients with SLE and to classify their functions and assess their quality using a reliable and objective scale. Methods: We applied a systematic review framework to the search, screening, and assessment of apps. Android and iPhone apps were searched on the Google Play Store and the App Store, respectively in January 2018. Search terms included "lupus" or "SLE". Apps were included if they were: (1) smartphone-based; (2) compatible with the Android or the iOS operating systems; (3) in the English language; (4) targeted to people with SLE; and (5) available for download in either of the two app stores. Apps were excluded if they were: (1) targeting a condition other than SLE; (2) including only treatment algorithms; or (3) explicitly only for health care providers. App name, platform (Android, iPhone), developer, current version, cost, and user star ratings and comments were extracted. The Mobile App Rating Scale was used to classify the apps. Results: We identified 315 apps, including 249 from the Google Play Store and 66 from the App Store (figure 1). Of these, 32 met inclusion criteria (19 Android, 13 iPhone). Of the 19 Android apps, 16 were free to download and the remaining cost 2.93 – 5.65 CAD. The focus across apps were mainly to increase patient well-being. The theoretical background or strategies behind the apps varied, the most common ones included: providing information/education regarding SLE for the user (14 apps), providing advice/tips/strategies/skills training for SLE management (9 apps), and providing capabilities for monitoring/tracking of symptoms (6 apps). The user star ratings of the apps ranged from 1.5 – 5.0 stars (out of 5.0) and the number of user ratings ranged from 1 – 288. Common user critiques indicated the need for increased functionality in entering and tracking symptoms in apps that provided this feature. Of the 13 iPhone apps, 10 were free to download and the remaining cost 2.79 – 6.99 CAD. The focus across apps were mainly to increase patient well-being. The theoretical background or strategies behind the apps varied, the most common ones included: providing information/education regarding SLE for the user (9 apps), providing capabilities for monitoring/tracking of symptoms (6 apps), and providing advice/tips/strategies/skills training for SLE management (5 apps). No user ratings or comments were available. Conclusions: Applying a systematic review framework, we identified and classified 32 apps mainly focusing on increasing patient well-being in SLE. These findings have practical implications for helping patients identify potential eHealth tools to support self-management of SLE. Disclosure of Interest: None declared