Mobile health applications in geriatric care for healthcare providers

Mobile devices and applications (apps) that act as access tools in health care management, aid in improvement of clinical decision making and patient outcomes. However, the tremendous amount of mobile health (mHealth) apps available in the commercial apps store made HCPs questioned regarding the quality of the apps provided. This study aims to assess the contents and features of mHealth apps in geriatric care for HCPs use. Systemic review of previous relevant literature and quality assessment of selected mHealth apps were conducted. Twenty five mHealth apps were assessed. Medscape®, Skyscape® Medical Library and MyNAG® apps scored the highest for general geriatric care followed by Lexicomp®, Epocrates ®, MIMS®, WebMD® Health Tools and Drugs.com®. For specific geriatric disease, Alzheimer's Disease Pocketcard® and Confusion: Delirium & Dementia: A bedside guide® apps scored the highest total score for specific geriatric care which then followed by ConsultGeri: Dementia®, BSD: Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia® and BPSD Guide®. Medscape® and Skyscape® Medical Library are the most comprehensive mHealth app for general drug information, medical references, clinical score and medical calculator. Alzheimer's Disease Pocketcard® and Confusion: Delirium & Dementia: A bedside guide® apps are recommended for clinical assessment, diagnosis, drug information and management of geriatric patients with Alzheimer's Disease, delirium and dementia. More studies of mHealth apps in geriatric care are warranted to ensure the quality and reliability of the mHealth apps.