The use of mobile applications in urology : a systematic review

Can the use of mobile applications (apps) improve quality of life and disease management in adult patients with urologic disease? Technology has created new opportunities to promote behavioural change in the daily lives of patients. One third of adults in the United States who own smartphones or tablets use health apps to improve their health. The aim of this review was to analyse whether use of mobile apps improves the quality of life and symptom management of urological patients. Databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus. Search terms (free terms, MeSH): mobile apps, urologic diseases. Papers searched included all randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, analytical cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, and case–control studies. Nine articles were analysed. The review showed that mobile apps purpose-built for urological patients can improve quality of life, signs and symptoms. It is necessary that nurses and physicians be familiar with these apps in order to identify and benefit those patients who deal with disabling diseases that prevent them performing their daily activities to the desired degree. Mhealth makes inroads into the medical profession, both doctors and nurses should maintain awareness not only of drug and other therapies but also of the efficacy of the mobile health apps available. Digital health treatment has arrived and can no longer be considered merely peripheral.