Trends in user ratings and reviews of a popular yet inaccurate blood pressure-measuring smartphone app.
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 29878236.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1093/jamia/ocy060 and PMC identifier 6664848.
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Abstract
To understand whether user reviews of Instant Blood Pressure (IBP), an inaccurate, unregulated BP-measuring app reflected IBP's inaccuracy, to understand drivers for high and low ratings, and to understand if disclaimers prevented medical use. All iTunes app reviews for IBP v1.2.3 were downloaded and assessed for themes by two reviewers. Summary statistics for themes were tabulated with their associated star ratings. Common themes included perceived accuracy (42% of all reviews, star rating mean 4.8, median 5), inaccuracy (10%, 2.0, 1), and convenience (34%, 4.7, 5). Nine percent documented IBP use in medical conditions (4.6, 5), and 2% mentioned IBP's disclaimer (2.7, 3). User reviews and ratings of a popular, inaccurate BP-measuring app were positive and uncommonly commented on its inaccuracy. Disclaimers attempting to prevent medical use of the app were ineffective. These findings support the need for more rigorous regulatory review of apps prior to their release.
Medical subject headings
- Blood Pressure Determination
- Consumer Behavior
- Mobile Applications
- Smartphone