Obesity Applications in Smartphones: Development and Use of an Evaluation Tool.
INTRODUCTION
Rates of obesity amongst children and teens in the United States have tripled since the 1970s, and 18.5% are now considered obese. With smartphone use among children and teens becoming the norm, smartphone applications may be a cost-effective solution to support patients and families motivated to change lifestyle behaviors and reduce obesity. The purpose of this quality-improvement project was (1) to develop an app evaluation tool and star rating system based on scientific evidence and current clinical practice guidelines in managing childhood obesity, and (2) to determine whether an in-service training can increase provider knowledge and efficacy in the use of smartphone apps in managing childhood obesity.


METHODS
An app evaluation tool (Ped-WHAT) was developed that includes evidence-based behavior modification strategies (BMS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for healthy weight management in pediatrics. Apps were given a rating based on the number of these criteria included in the app. An educational in-service training was developed to assist health care providers in using the app evaluation tool with patients. This training was tested with providers working in a pediatric weight management clinic. Pre- and post-training surveys were administered. Results were analyzed using t tests to assess differences.


RESULTS
Sixteen commercially available apps were evaluated using the Ped-WHAT tool. Those that included the greatest number of BMS and AAP criteria received the highest rating on a 0-5 scale. Statistically significant improvements in provider knowledge and confidence were found after the in-service training.


DISCUSSION
In this current digital environment, commercially available weight management apps should undergo evaluation by health care providers to ensure that they follow the standard of care and current practice guidelines/recommendations.
['Al-Lami|Nadia|N|', 'Sear|Katherine|K|', 'Dai|Weiwei|W|', 'Chen|Jyu-Lin|JL|']
D000293:Adolescent D001521:Behavior Therapy D002648:Child D006282:Health Personnel D006801:Humans D007318:Inservice Training D063731:Mobile Applications D063766:Pediatric Obesity D000068997:Smartphone
smartphone applications Childhood obesity weight management behavior change quality improvement