Three overarching principles and 10 points to consider (PTC) for the development, evaluation and implementation of apps to aid self-management among people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs)
| Overarching principles | Agreement (%) | ||
| Apps* for self-management support the health, well-being and empowerment of people living with RMDs. | 100 | ||
| Apps* require an overarching conceptual framework, which defines the target population and purpose of the app. | 100 | ||
| User privacy and safety are fundamental considerations for all apps* aimed at people living with RMDs. | 100 | ||
| PtC | Oxford level of evidence | Strength of statement |
Level of agreement
Mean (SD) |
| 1. The information content in self-management apps should be up to date, scientifically justifiable, user acceptable and evidence based where applicable. | Level 5 | D | 9.8 (0.4) |
| 2. Apps should be relevant and tailored to the individual needs of people with RMDs. | Level 5 | D | 9.7 (0.5) |
| 3. The design, development and validation of self-management apps should involve people with RMDs and relevant healthcare providers. | Level 5 | D | 9.8 (0.6) |
| 4. There should be transparency on an app’s developer, funding source, content validation process, version updates and data ownership. | Level 5 | D | 9.9 (0.3) |
| 5. Data collection as part of apps must adhere to all applicable regulatory frameworks, particularly data protection. | Level 5 | D | 9.9 (0.3) |
| 6. Apps must not result in physical or emotional harm to people with RMDs. | Level 5 | D | 9.3 (1) |
| 7. Apps could facilitate patient–healthcare provider communication and contribute to electronic health records or research. | Level 5 | D | 9.4 (0.9) |
| 8. App design should consider accessibility of people with RMDs across ages and abilities. | Level 5 | D | 9.4 (0.9) |
| 9. If a social network is an important component of an app, structures should be in place to ensure appropriate content moderation. | Level 5 | D | 9.5 (0.6) |
| 10. The rheumatology community should consider the cost-benefit balance of apps before endorsement and/or promotion. | Level 5 | D | 8.9 (1.3) |
*An app is a small programme that can be downloaded and installed on a mobile device. For the purpose of these PtC, the definition takes a focus on self-management of RMDs.
PtC, points to consider.