Medical applications: a database and characterization of apps in Apple iOS and Android platforms.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Medical applications (apps) for smart phones and tablet computers are growing in number and are commonly used in healthcare. In this context, there is a need for a diverse community of app users, medical researchers, and app developers to better understand the app landscape.

Methods

In mid-2012, we undertook an environmental scan and classification of the medical app landscape in the two dominant platforms by searching the medical category of the Apple iTunes and Google Play app download sites. We identified target audiences, functions, costs and content themes using app descriptions and captured these data in a database. We only included apps released or updated between October 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012, with a primary "medical" app store categorization, in Englis

SUBMITTER: Seabrook HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4156621 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature