Keeping Up with the Applications: Lessons Learned Evaluating Gout Apps.

In June 2017, we embarked on a study to test the efficacy of available smartphone applications (apps) for gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis, which is associated with severe joint inflammation causing significant joint pain. Several noteworthy challenges arose as we grappled with issues such as apps no longer being available (or functional), the poor quality and misinformation of apps, and the rapid and unforeseen updating (or complete lack of updating) of existing apps. These are critical issues that researchers and health professionals working in the rapidly developing digital health field must learn how to contend with. In this study, we offer some of our insights regarding issues that need to be considered when working in m-Health, especially when the research is being conducted in the health sector or with patients.