Cited by 303Mobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsElectronic Health Records SystemsArtificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education

Medical apps for smartphones: lack of evidence undermines quality and safety

Buijink, Arthur Willem Gerard, Visser, Benjamin Jelle, Marshall, Louise·2013·Evidence Based Medicine

Abstract

Increasing numbers of healthcare professionals are using smartphones and their associated applications (apps) in daily clinical care. While these medical apps hold great potential for improving clinical practice, little is known about the possible dangers associated with their use. Breaches of patient confidentiality, conflicts of interests and malfunctioning clinical decision-making apps could all negatively impact on patient care. We propose several strategies to enhance the development of evidence-based medical apps while retaining their open nature. The increasing use of medical apps calls for broader discussion across medicine's organising and accrediting bodies. The field of medical apps is currently one of the most dynamic in medicine, with real potential to change the way evidence-based healthcare is delivered in the future. Establishing appropriate regulatory procedures will enable this potential to be fulfilled, while at all times ensuring the safety of the patient.

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Crossref · 10.1136/eb-2012-100885

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Authors
Buijink, A. W. G., Visser, B. J., & Marshall, L.
Affiliations
  • Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam (NL)
  • UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (GB)
Venue
Evidence Based Medicine
Publisher
BMJ
Published
2012-08-25
Volume
18
Issue
3
Pages
90-92
ISSN
  • 1356-5524 (ISSN-L)
  • 1473-6810
OpenAlex
W2034658175
Cited by
303
References
10
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 26 · 2022: 20 · 2021: 23 · 2020: 33 · 2019: 33 · 2018: 35 · 2017: 24 · 2016: 29 · 2015: 34 · 2014: 15 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 3
FWCI
34.69
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
  • UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Electronic Health Records Systems
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Health Informatics › Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
Keywords
mobile health apps, smartphones, clinical decision support, patient safety, evidence-based medicine, regulatory oversight, patient confidentiality, conflicts of interest, app quality
MeSH terms
Decision Making, Computer-Assisted, Humans, Quality of Health Care, United States, United States Food and Drug Administration, Government Regulation, Cell Phone, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient Safety

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