Behavioural Components and Quality of Mobile Apps to Support Recovery and Rehabilitation following a Transient Ischemic Attack or ‘Minor’ Stroke: A Systematic Review

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Rationale
Stroke is a common condition and is a leading cause of disability. Many cases are preceded by a history of transient ischemic attacks. Early secondary prevention in this phase, including interventions to modify lifestyle factors, can be crucial to reduce risk of reoccurrence and stroke.

Aims
To identify behavioural components and evaluate the overall quality of mobile apps which provide support for recovery and rehabilitation after transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ‘minor’ stroke.

Methodology
Systematic searches of Google Play and the Apple App Store were carried out using keywords to identify available mobile apps. A Medline search was also conducted to identify apps evaluated as part of research studies. Included apps were required to contain any component with relevant information on TIA, ‘minor’ stroke or stroke risk reduction. Apps designed as aids to stroke recognition or diagnosis were excluded. Behavioural components (BCTs) were identified using the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy (v1). Quality and usability were assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Materials (PEMAT-AV).

Analysis
Analysis included descriptive statistics and frequencies to summarize results for each measurement tool.

Results
Searches identified 2433 potential apps. After removing duplicates, 27 remained after screening titles and descriptions. Only 6 met eligibility criteria after full review of content. Based on mean MARS scores, 2/6 (33.3%) apps were assessed as being of good overall quality, while 3/6 (50.0%) were found to be acceptable. One (1/6: 16.6%) was rated as poor. MARS scores for subjective quality were lower for all apps relative to objective quality scores. Understandability was rated as good for 4/6 apps (66.6%), however only 2/6 (33.3%) had good scores for the actionability subscale. Two apps included BCTs related to feedback and social support. Correlations between number of BCTs and MARS scores could not be calculated due to the low number of apps.

Conclusions
Only a limited number of apps are available to support individuals following TIA or ‘minor’ stroke and overall quality of these apps is lacking. Further work is needed to develop easily accessible, evidence-based digital interventions for this population.

Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2020
EventCBC Online Conference 2020
Behaviour Change for Health: new and emerging science and technologies
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Duration: 16 Sept 2020 → …

Conference

ConferenceCBC Online Conference 2020
Behaviour Change for Health: new and emerging science and technologies
Period16/09/2020 → …

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