Table 1 Summary of studies included in the Umbrella Review grouped by categories

MINDFULNESS

Linardon J; 2020

[8]

27

Examine whether principles of acceptance, mindfulness, and self-compassion can be learned through smartphone apps

Findings suggest that principles of acceptance, mindfulness, and self-compassion may be learned through cheap, easily accessible, and low-intensity interventions delivered via smartphone apps. However, the quality of available evidence is poor, as low risk of bias was noted in few trials (18%) and the observed effects were likely explained by a digital placebo

Yogeswa et al., 2021

[9]

2

Investigate whether online mindfulness interventions can be used to promote the mental health of medical students

The evidence reviewed suggests that online mindfulness interventions targeting medical students have the potential to be effective in reducing symptoms of stress and increasing self-compassion, empathy, and mindfulness

Gál et al.., 2021.

[10]

34

Investigate the effects of mindfulness apps and their effectiveness

Mindfulness apps seem promising in improving well-being and mental health, though results should be interpreted carefully due to the small number of included studies, overall uncertain risk of bias and heterogeneity

Wu et al.,2021

[11]

8

Evaluate the effect of mindfulness intervention guided by a smartphone app on negative emotions and stress in a non-clinical population with emotional symptoms

The findings indicate the potentially beneficial effect of mindfulness exercise guided by a smartphone app on symptoms of depression and anxiety among individuals in a non-clinical population with emotional symptoms

Muhiyaddin et al., 2022

[12]

93

Provide an overview of the features of meditation apps as described in empirical literature

Headspace was the most common app among studies and the most common type of meditation was mindfulness. Stress was the most targeted health condition by the studies. Future research needs to focus on different mental conditions other than stress to understand the effect of meditation apps on mental health.

Walker et al., 2023

[13]

16

Evaluate whether evidence from academic research is used to communicate the health effects of two popular mindfulness apps, Calm and Smiling Mind

Stronger evidence-based reporting on the health effects of mindfulness apps is needed to enable people to make more informed decisions for their health and wellbeing

Chen et al., 2023

[14]

10

Evaluate the effectiveness of Mobile mindfulness meditation (MMM) on the mental health of university students in the areas of stress, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, well-being, and resilience

MMM was an effective method to reduce stress and anxiety, and to increase the well-being and mindfulness of university students. However, further studies are needed to confirm our findings

Schwartz et al., 2023

[15]

28

Evaluate the effectiveness and assess the quality of the apps

Although most studies (16/28, 57%) reported small or small to medium effects for at least one well-being outcome, this review demonstrates that the generalizability of the results is limited. Further research is needed to obtain more consistent conclusions regarding the impact of mindfulness-based mobile apps on well-being in nonclinical populations

TINNITUS

Mehdi et al.,2020

[16]

7

Report effectiveness of smartphone apps used for tinnitus management and treatment

The work demonstrated that there exists a plethora of smartphone apps for tinnitus. All of the apps received MARS scores higher than 2, suggesting that they all have some technical functional value. However, nearly all identified apps were lacking in terms of scientific evidence, suggesting the need for stringent clinical validation of smartphone apps in future. 

Nagaraj et al., 2020

[17]

5

Evaluate the efficacy of Internet/app delivered tinnitus treatments

The outcome measures were diverse, but both Internet/app-based and traditional methods like Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy had similar improvements in terms of tinnitus distress and quality of life

Demoen et al., 2023

[18]

29

Provide an overview of the research concerning the effectiveness of telerehabilitation interventions for self-management of tinnitus

Overall, there evidence that telerehabilitation interventions effectively reduce tinnitus severity and distress. These interventions form a possible tool to improve the self-management capacities of the patient and the accessibility of tinnitus care as a replacement or an addition to in-person care.

eHEALTH

Lam et al., 2016

[19]

182

Examine the current development of online intervention programmes for this particular condition

The results obtained from this review have provided insight into the on-going development of eHealth interventions as well as the health informatics approaches in offering a possible and practical solution to tackle this growing problem

Stratton et al., 2017

[20]

23

Evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness and examine the relative efficacy of different types of eHealth interventions for employees

There is reasonable evidence that eHealth interventions delivered to employees may reduce mental health and stress symptoms post intervention and still have a benefit, although reduced at follow-up.

Mikolasek et al., 2018

[21]

17

Summarize eHealth studies with mindfulness- and relaxation-based interventions for medical conditions and to determine whether eHealth interventions have positive effects on health.

There is some evidence that mindfulness- and relaxation-based eHealth interventions for medical conditions can have positive effects on health outcomes. Therefore, such interventions might be a useful addition to standard medical care

Tozzi et al., 2018

[22]

19

Summarize and critically review the literature evaluating the acceptability and efficacy of using technology with treatment and prevention programs for anxiety in young children and adolescents.

Promising results in reducing anxiety, especially relative to the application of cognitive behavioral therapy with technology

Van den Heuvel et al., 2018

[23]

71

Review the current literature on eHealth developments in pregnancy to assess this new generation of perinatal care.

eHealth interventions have a very broad, multilevel field of application focused on perinatal care in all its aspects. Despite the promising preliminary results as presented, we accentuate the need for evidence for health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the impact on costs of the possibilities of eHealth interventions in perinatal care

Badawy et al., 2018

[24]

16

Evaluated the most recent evidence in the literature to (1) review the different types of technological tools used for self-management of sickle cell disease, (2) discover and describe what self-management activities these tools were used for, and (3) assess the efficacy of these technologies in self-management

Despite the promising feasibility and acceptability of eHealth interventions in improving self-management of sickle cell disease, the evidence overall is modest. Future eHealth intervention studies are needed to evaluate their efficacy, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness in promoting self-management in patients with sickle cell disease using rigorous methods and theoretical frameworks with clearly defined clinical outcomes

Stubberud et al., 2018

[25]

23

Reviews the recent research and development of electronic health (eHealth) and, in particular, mobile health (mHealth) strategies to deliver behavioral treatment for migraine.

eHealth and mHealth for behavioral treatments of migraine has been a promising field for long. Electronic behavioral interventions for migraine seem to be acceptable and feasible, but efficacy measures are uncertain. Still, clinical trials on mHealth based classical behavioral therapies, such as CBT, biofeedback, and relaxation are missing in the literature

Roth et al., 2021

[26]

16

Show that the digitalization in psychiatry is not to replace traditional psychiatric care through digital therapies, but to augment it through innovative interventions

Various eHealth services, such as telepsychiatry, C-CBT, I-CBT, and app-based interventions represent effective, scalable, and cost-efficient options for providing treatment to people with limited or no access to mental health care. Therefore, these eHealth services are synergistic with the resolution of the United Nations on universal health coverage

Moghmi et al., 2021

[27]

3

Evaluate the efficacy of eHealth interventions specifically for the treatment of binge eating disorder (characterized by compulsive overconsumption of food, in a relatively short period, and without compensatory behaviors such as purging or fasting).

The results of the analysis demonstrated that when compared with waitlist controls, individuals enrolled in eHealth interventions experienced a reduction in binge episodes

MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND STUDENTS

Pospos et al., 2016

[28]

7

Review published data about mobile applications that shown to mitigate stress, burnout, depression, and suicidal ideation among several populations, and selected a small sample that readily can be used by healthcare providers

The list of the resouces served as a starting point to enhance coping with stressors as a healthcare student or professional in order to help mitigate burnout, depression and suicidality

Lehtimaki et al., 2021

[29]

18

Synthesize the current evidence on digital health interventions targeting adolescents and young people with mental health conditions, with a focus on effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and generalizability to low-resource settings

There is evidence on the effectiveness of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression, whereas the effectiveness of other digital mental health interventions remains inconclusive

Oliveira  et al., 2021

[30]

8

Explore mHealth interventions in universities, regarding its conceptual framework, acceptability and efficacy outcomes and understand its impact and contributions to address treatment delivery and psychological difficulties resulting from covid-19 pandemic.

Results suggested that college students accept and adhere to the interventions and preliminary evidence of efficacy was demonstrated in different disorders, such as stress, anxiety, depression and risky behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco abuse and sexual knowledge

Chiang et al., 2023

[31]

6

Identify and analyze the BCTs present in mHealth apps targeted at young people with AN

The techniques employed in apps, belonging to the hierarchical clusters of “Shaping knowledge,” “Natural consequences,” and “Social support,” are consistent with those embedded in traditional clinical approaches (i.e., FBT and CBT). However, other techniques focusing on planning of actions, goals, tasks, and working with motivation are missing.

Choudhury et al., 2023

[32]

15

Evaluate mHealth interventions for addressing mental health problems among college students

There is potential to improve depressive symptoms and other similar mental health problems among college students via mobile app interventions. However, actions must be taken to improve barriers to communication and better reach the younger generations.

mHEALTH

Juarascio et al., 2015

[33]

20

Review existing apps for Eating Disorders, determine the extent to which available treatment apps utilize components from Eur Eat Disorders as a basis for treatment provision, and assess the degree to which existing smartphone apps utilize recent advances in smartphone technology to enhance treatment.

For smartphone apps to be a feasible and effective ED treatment modality, it may be useful for creators to begin taking utilizing the abilities that set smartphones apart from in‐person treatment while incorporating EBPs. Before mHealth tools are incorporated into treatments for EDs, it is necessary that the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy be evaluated.

Capon et al., 2016

[34]

33

identify ethical issues in the current uses of smartphones in addiction research and treatment

mHealth technology offers the possibility to collect large amounts of valuable personal information that may enhance research and treatment of substance abuse and addiction. To realize this potential researchers, clinicians and app-developers must address these ethical concerns to maximize the benefits and minimize risks of harm to users

Sundararaman  et al., 2017

[35]

8

Provide a critical overview and best-evidence synthesis of the use of mobile health (mHealth) technology among persons with chronic pain and their health care providers and examines the future benefits and barriers of implementing mHealth technology in clinical care

Mobile text reminders improved the rate of attendance at health care appointments compared with no reminders. A second review found very limited evidence that text messaging had a positive impact on the health status of patients with chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma) and on their ability to manage their own condition.53 Additional reviews suggest that cost

Rathbone et al., 2017

[36]

8

Assess extent research findings with regard to the effectiveness of CBT-related mobile health (mHealth) apps. By assessing only studies employing a randomized controlled trial design, the review aimed to determine app efficacy within the highly regarded method of investigation.

The use of mHealth apps containing CBT principles for a range of mental health issues. However, the effectiveness over longer time periods should be assessed. Researchers and professionals should seek to collaborate effectively when creating new apps to enhance their effectiveness as a treatment for the general public.

Hansen et al., 2019

[37]

397

Provide an analysis of the kinds of smartphone-based intervention apps funded in NIH research grants during the five-year period between 2014 and 2018

Smartphone intervention apps are increasingly competitive for NIH funding. They reflect a wide diversity of approaches that have significant potential for use in applied settings

Hwang et al., 2021

[38]

14

Examines studies on the effects and results of mental health mobile apps for the general adult population.

With the rapid development of technology related to mental health, many mobile apps are developed, but apps based on theoretical knowledge and well-designed research are lacking. Further research and practices should be conducted to develop, test, and disseminate evidence-based mHealth for mental health promotion. RCT studies are needed to expand the application to mental health services to various populations.

Aji et al., 2021

[39]

15

Provide evidence for the design engineering and clinical implementation and evaluation of mHealth apps for sleep disturbance

The minimal number of apps with published evidence for design engineering and clinical implementation and evaluation contrasts starkly with the number of commercial sleep apps available. Moreover, there appears to be no standardization and consistency in the use of best practice design approaches and implementation assessments, along with very few rigorous efficacy evaluations.

Mehraeen et al., 2022

[40]

17

Investigate the  use apps to improve self-management among HIV-positive patients and the focused on current evidence on HIV self management mobile applications to identify and assess their objective, infrastructure, and target populations

The findings indicate that mHealth strategies for PLHIV have had a substantial positive effect on ART, drug adherence, prevention, and treatment, as well as social and behavioral problems affecting PLHIV. Even though the mHealth market needs to be regulated, it specifies that mHealth is relevant and should be used in the self-management, self-monitoring, and self-care of PLHIV

Voth et al.,2022

[41]

22

Evaluate the evidence-based quality, efficacy, and effectiveness of resilience-building mobile apps targeted toward the MMs, PSP, and veteran populations.

The mHealth apps reviewed are well-suited to providing resilience strategies for MMs, PSP, and veterans. They offer easy accessibility to evidence-based tools while working to encourage the use of emotional and professional support with safety in mind.

MacPherson et al., 2022

[42]

12

Identify pain management apps within the Canadian app marketplaces to aid clinicians in recommending apps

The highest scoring apps are highlighted for health care practitioners who may wish to recommend mHealth technologies to their patients for pain management.

Denecke et al., 2022

[43]

34

Identify the therapeutic aspects of CBT that have been implemented in existing mHealth apps and the technologies used.

There are CBT techniques that can be implemented in mHealth apps. Additional research is needed on the efficacy of the mHealth interventions and their side effects, including inequalities because of the digital divide, addictive internet behavior, lack of trust in mHealth, anonymity issues, risks and biases for user groups and social contexts, and ethical implications.

Nuo et al., 2023

[44]

12

Summarize the status and trends of research in this field; assess the production and usage of sleep mHealth apps; calculate the conversion rate of grants that the proportion of newly developed apps from being funded and developed to published on application stores.

The field of tracking, diagnosing, and intervening in sleep disorders using mHealth apps has shown a trend of rapid development. However, the conversion rate of products from being funded and developed for use by end-users is low.

DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS

Huguet et al.,2016

[45]

12

Identify self-help apps available exclusively for people with depression and evaluate those that offer cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or behavioural activation (BA).

The usability of reviewed apps is highly variable and they rarely are accompanied by explicit privacy or safety policies. Despite the growing public demand, there is a concerning lack of appropriate CBT or BA apps, especially from a clinical and legal point of view. The application of superior scientific, technological, and legal knowledge is needed to improve the development, testing, and accessibility of apps for people with depression. 

Callan et al., 2017

[46]

27

Review the literature currently available technologies and research aimed at relieving symptoms of MDD including computer-assisted cognitive-behavior therapy (CCBT), web-based self-help, Internet self-help support groups, mobile psychotherapeutic interventions, technology enhanced exercise, and biosensing technology.

Research has shown that most people with MDD receive either no treatment or inadequate treatment and the computer and mobile technologies may offer solutions for the delivery of therapies to untreated or inadequately treated individuals with MDD.

Firth et al., 2018

[47]

62

Provide a comprehensive overview of the efficacy, limitations, and future of e-health treatments for anxiety.

Results showed that smartphone versions of psychological treatments, such as CBT and ACT, significantly reduced anxiety, with moderate effect sizes

Wright et al.,

[48]

18

Assess the effectiveness of these newer methods of delivering or augmenting treatment and making recommendations on the clinical use of computer tools in psychotherapy of depression and anxiety.

Results were mixed as to whether disorder-specific interventions were more effective than transdiagnostic interventions. A concern raised in meta-analyses is that CCBT tended to be associated with greater dropout rates, particularly when the treatment involved no therapist contact.

Bommarito et al., 2019

[49]

10

Examine which interventions have been implemented to prevent burnout and depression during intern year and to consider the effectiveness of these interventions.

While most studies demonstrate a modest reduction in depression and burnout with implementation of some form of mindfulness practice, many were unable to reach a significant level of statistical power. More research is needed to determine generalizable findings

Wright et al., 2019

[50]

40

Evaluate the efficacy of computer-assisted forms of cognitive-behavior therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) and examine the role of clinician support and other factors that might affect outcomes

CCBT with a modest amount of support from a clinician or other helping person was found to be efficacious with relatively large mean effect sizes on measures of depressive symptoms. Self-guided CCBT for depression was considerably less effective

Khademian et al., 2020

[51]

4978

Assess the effects of mental health apps on managing the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

It seems that mental health apps can be promising media for reducing depressive symptoms. This field is an emerging area of mobile health, and further research should be done in future in order to reach conclusive evidence

Gómez-de-Regil et al., 2020

[52]

7

Search for scientific literature on mobile apps for the management of comorbid overweight/obesity and depression/anxiety and providing a brief and comprehensive summary of their main features, targeted groups, and relevant results.

The prevalence and costs related to overweight/obesity and depression/anxiety are significant and likely to increase. Very often these conditions overlap; thus, it would be recommendable to treat their comorbidity simultaneously. Nevertheless, no mobile app has been designed for this purpose, which would help to reduce service provision costs and make treatment more easily accessible for patients.

Yim et al.,2020

[53]

10

Assist in the creation of new EMA applications, highlighting the potential of using EMA in clinical settings and in drug development, emphasizing the importance of regulating applications in the field of mental health, and providing information on future updates

Available evidence suggests that the use of passive smartphone-based applications may lead to improved management of depressive symptoms

Torous et al., 2020

[54]

18

Establish overall dropout rates, and how this differed between different types of apps.

Strategies to improve retention may include providing human feedback, and enabling in-app mood monitoring. However, it critical to consider bias when interpreting results of apps for depressive symptoms, especially given the strong indication of publication bias, and the higher attrition in larger studies.

Nakao et al., 2021

[55]

98

Evaluate the effectiveness of CBT in stressful conditions among clinical and general populations, and identified recent advances in CBT-related techniques

The results of several randomized controlled trials indicated that CBT was effective for a variety of mental problems, physical conditions, and behavioral problems, at least in the short term; more follow-up observations are needed to assess the long-term effects of CBT. Mental and physical problems can likely be managed effectively with online CBT or self-help CBT using a mobile app, but these should be applied with care, considering their cost-effectiveness and applicability to a given population.

Drissi et al., 2021

[56]

167

Provide an analysis of treatment and management-related functionality and characteristics of high-rated mobile applications (apps) for anxiety, which are available for Android and iOS systems.

Anxiety apps incorporate various mental health care management methods and approaches. Apps can serve as promising tools to assist large numbers of people suffering from general anxiety or from anxiety disorders, anytime, anywhere, and particularly in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Six et al., 2021

[57]

50

Determine whether mental health apps with gamification elements differ in their effectiveness to reduce depressive symptoms when compared to those that lack these elements.

Both mental health apps with and without gamification elements were effective in reducing depressive symptoms. There was no significant difference in the effectiveness of mental health apps with gamification elements on depressive symptoms or adherence.

Furukawa et al., 2021

[58]

76

identify the most effective iCBT programs

The individual patient data cNMA revealed potentially helpful, less helpful, or harmful components and delivery formats for iCBT packages. iCBT packages aiming to be effective and efficient might choose to include beneficial components and exclude ones that are potentially detrimental.

Martinengo et al., 2021

[59]

28

Assess the features, functionality, data security, and congruence with evidence of self-guided CBT-based apps targeting users affected by depression that are available in major app stores

Only a few self-guided CBT-based apps offer comprehensive CBT programs or suicide risk management resources. Sharing of users' data is widespread, highlighting shortcomings in health app market governance. To fulfill their potential, self-guided CBT-based apps should follow evidence-based clinical guidelines, be patient centered, and enhance users' data security

Leong et al., 2022

[60]

348

Review is to characterize the current state of mHealth platforms designed for anxiety or depression that are available for research, commercial use, or both.

A considerable number of mHealth platforms designed for anxiety or depression are available for research, commercial use, or both. The characteristics of these mHealth platforms greatly vary. 

Serrano-Ripoll et al., 2022

[61]

12

Analyse the impact of app-based psychological interventions for reducing depressive symptoms in people with depression.

App-based interventions targeted at people with depression produce moderate reductions in the symptoms of depression. More methodologically robust trials are needed to confirm our findings, determine which intervention features are associated with greater improvements, and identify those populations most likely to benefit from this type of intervention

Paganini et al.,2023

[62]

121

Provide a comprehensive overview of the quality and characteristics of SMAs to give potential users or health professionals a guideline when searching for SMAs in common app stores.

The moderate information quality, scarce evidence base, constraints in data privacy and security features, and high volatility of SMAs pose challenges for users, health professionals, and researchers. However, owing to the scalability of SMAs and the few but promising results regarding their effectiveness, they have a high potential to reach and help a broad audience

Klimczak et al., 2023

[63]

53

Provides a comprehensive review of online ACT self-help interventions, characterizing the programs that have been studied and analyzing their efficacy

Online ACT produced significantly greater outcomes than waitlist controls at post-treatment for anxiety, depression, quality of life, psychological flexibility, and all assessed outcomes (i.e. omnibus effect), which were generally maintained at follow-up. However, only psychological flexibility and all assessed outcomes at post-treatment were found to be significantly greater for online ACT when compared to active controls, with no significant follow-up effects.

PSYCHOATIVE SUBSTANCES

Song et al., 2019

[64]

19

Review and synthesize the research evidence about the efficacy of mHealth interventions on various health outcomes for consumer self-control of UAU and to identify the core components to achieve these outcomes

Most studies reported mHealth interventions for self-control of UAU appeared to be improving behavior, especially the ones delivered by short message service and interactive voice response systems

Tofighi et al.,2019

[65]

74

evaluate the functionality, aesthetics, and quality of information of free or low-cost apps claiming to target alcohol, benzodiazepine, cocaine, crack/cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and heroin use using the validated Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and critical content analysis.

Few commercially available apps yielded in our search integrated evidence-based interventions (eg, extended-release naltrexone, buprenorphine, naloxone, Self-Management and Recovery Training recovery, or CBT), and a concerning number of apps promoted harmful drinking and illicit substance use.

García-Pazo et al., 2021

[66]

5

Carry out a review of the smoking cessation apps that apply CBT and to describe the techniques used by them.

The results recommend the inclusion of smoking behavior analysis in these types of apps, as not all of them do so, as well as an interface between the health professionals and the users to provide a personalized treatment

Manning et al., 2022

[67]

unclear

Evaluate the evidence of new mHealth (smartphone) apps for substance use disorders (SUD)

The evidence-base for mHealth SUD apps is weak, inconclusive and hampered by substantial heterogeneity in study designs. However, there have been a number of interesting and novel developments in this area in recent years, which have not been synthesized to date.

Bonfiglio et al.,

[68]

18

Focus mainly on research on the effectiveness of digital treatments for Substance Users (SU)

The current review shows that digital treatments and interventions are effective in reducing the frequency of use, augmenting abstinence, or reducing the gravity of dependence for most of the studies at post-treatment. However, due to the heterogeneity of the variables, there was a reduced generalizability of the results

Bold et al., 2023

[69]

228

Use the American Psychiatric Association app evaluation model to evaluate the top-returned apps from Android and Apple app store platforms related to smoking cessation and investigate the common app features available for end users

Numerous smoking cessation apps were identified, but analysis revealed limitations, including high rates of irrelevant and nonfunctioning apps, high rates of turnover, and few apps providing evidence-based support for smoking cessation.

SLEEP QUALITY

Shin et al., 2017

[70]

16

Determine the effectiveness of mobile technology interventions for improving sleep disorders and sleep quality

Use of mobile phone interventions to address sleep disorders and to improve sleep quality. The findings suggest that mobile phone technologies can be effective for future sleep intervention research.

Erten Uyumaz et al., 20

[71]

6

Explore the content and interaction styles of commercially available dCBT-I platforms and the ultimate goal is to understand: which features are commonly applied on CBT-I platforms? what do user studies indicate about the potential impact and value of the users’ platforms? And which kind of elements are commonly applied for adherence?

The dCBT-I apps were effectively assisting the users, and the type of interactions promoted engagement. The apps' features were based on design principles from interactive product design, experience design, online social media, and serious gaming.

CHRONIC DISEASES

Bhattarai et al., 2018

[72]

4

Appraise the quality and usability of currently available pain applications that could be used by community-dwelling older adults to self-manage their arthritic pain.

Few of the currently available pain apps offer a comprehensive pain self-management approach incorporating evidence-based strategies in accordance with the Stanford Arthritis Self-Management Program.

Choi et al., 2020

[73]

70

Summarize and analyse research on interventions using mobile applications for patients with hypertension and ischemic heart disease.

To ensure the long-term effects of mobile-application-based interventions, healthcare professionals should consider the functions of mobile applications. Moreover, because the focus of these interventions may differ based on the nature of the disease, it is recommended that the composition of interventions be tailored to the specific disease.

Mäcken et al., 2021

[74]

unclear

Introduce a new holistic approach to measure fatigue and the influencing factors via a mobile app. The objective of the Fimo health app is to help pwMS treat their fatigue. In the first step, fatigue and the influencing factors are measured. 

Fatigue fluctuates over time and even throughout the day. These fluctuations are difficult to capture. Mobile health solutions offer new possibilities, particularly for complex chronic diseases such as MS and fatigue. PwMS are especially suited to adopt mobile health solutions, as they usually show their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40.

Lin et al., 2021

[75]

unclear

Investigate the use of CBT in patients with functional neurological disorders based on four types of remote delivery delivery to patients with FND to alleviate the access obstacle: workbooks, internet-guided CBT, app-based CBT, and teletherapy.

CBT and app-based CBT appear to be effective for psychiatric disorders, but further studies should determine their effectiveness in FND

Qin et al., 2022

[76]

30

Investigate the effectiveness of mobile phone app interventions on QOL and psychological outcomes in adult patients with cancer, with a special focus on intervention duration, type of cancer, intervention theory, treatment strategy, and intervention delivery format

Smartphone app–based interventions might help address certain psychological issues experienced by cancer survivors. In particular, short-term interventions (duration of ≤3 months), physician-patient interaction interventions (2-way communication using a smartphone app), and cognitive behavioral therapy–based interventions might be more effective in improving QOL and alleviating adverse psychological effects.

Shah et al., 2022

[77]

91

Summarize the current use, cost-effectiveness, and patient and clinician perspectives of digital health for intervention delivery in KOA and KR

For people with KOA and KR, many studies found digital health to be as effective as traditional treatments for patient education, physical activity, and exercise interventions. All digital interventions that incorporated cognitive behavioral therapy or similar psychological treatments were reported to result in significant improvements in patients with KOA and KR when compared with no treatment or traditional treatments.

Palmisano et al., 2023

[78]

2

Evaluate the characteristics of specific nutritional apps for chronic renal failure available in Italy

To date, there are only two applications available to monitor nutrition in patients with kidney disease.

Ebrahimi et al., 2023

[79]

17

Evaluate the quality of smartphone applications available on the Google Play and App Store in the field of overweight control based on CBT by applying the MARS

Future applications related to this field can be improved by providing a personalization program according to the needs of users and the possibility of online chatting with the therapist.

Howard et al., 2023

[80]

14

This study aimed to explore the design characteristics of native mobile apps used for adults living with MS in academic settings.

Behavior change theories were integrated into the design of the apps for fatigue management and physical activity. Regarding persuasive technology, the design principles of primary support were applied across all identified apps. The elements of dialogue support and social support were the least applied. The methods for evaluating the identified apps were varied.

DISORDER AND MENTAL HEALTH

Loucas et al., 2014

[1]

20

Review the research on the effectiveness of e-therapy for eating disorders, using the methodology employed by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Overall, although some positive findings were identified, the value of e-therapy for eating disorders must be viewed as uncertain. Further research, with improved methods, is needed to establish the effectiveness of e-therapy for people with eating disorders.

Lyons et al., 2014

[81]

13

Describe the behavior change techniques implemented in commercially available electronic activity monitors

Electronic activity monitors contain a wide range of behavior change techniques typically used in clinical behavioral interventions. Thus, the monitors may represent a medium by which these interventions could be translated for widespread use. This technology has broad applications for use in clinical, public health, and rehabilitation settings

Bakker et al., 2016

[3]

unclear

Provide a set of clear, sound, and practical recommendations that MHapp developers can follow to create better, more rigorous apps.

Randomized controlled trials are required to validate future MHapps and the principles upon which they are designed, and to further investigate the recommendations presented in this review. Effective MHapps are required to help prevent mental health problems and to ease the burden on health systems.

Schueller et al., 2020

[82]

unclear

Highlight key areas of consideration for leveraging technology to support the implementation of evidence-based treatments and to emphasize challenges and opportunities that come from using technology to scale evidence-based mental health treatments.

continuous growth of knowledge around DMHIs can help provide an evidence-base to translate and scale EBTs through technology and can help find ways to effectively and sustainably integrate these tools into various avenues of mental health service delivery. Combining knowledge in DMHIs with implementation science is a promising venue to unlock the potential of these tools to improve mental health service delivery.

Marciniak et al., 2020

[83]

26

Investigates standalone smartphone-based ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) built on principles derived from CBT that aim to improve mental health.

EMIs based on CBT principles can be successfully delivered, significantly increase well-being among users, and reduce mental health symptoms

Saad et al., 2021

[84]

36

Identify the evidence-based, self-directed, technology-based methods of care that can be used in adult patients after they are discharged from mental health services.

There is limited research on the efficacy and suitability of self-directed technology-based care options for mental health. Digital technologies have the potential to bridge the gap between ambulatory care and independent living.

Bernstein et al., 2022

[85]

64

Provide a scoping review of the use of human support or coaching in app-based cognitive behavioral therapy for emotional disorders, identify critical knowledge gaps, and offer recommendations for future research.

Although users tend to self-report that coaching improves their engagement and outcomes, there is limited and mixed supporting quantitative evidence at present.

Imai et al., 2022

[86]

11

Evaluate the effectiveness and adherence of computer-assisted self-help treatment without human contact in patients with OCD using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.

Unguided computer-assisted self-help therapy for OCD is effective compared with waiting lists or psychological placebo. An exposure response and prevention component and intervention duration of more than 4 weeks may strengthen the efficacy without worsening the acceptability of the therapy.

Liu et al.,2023

[87]

43

Examine the design and implementation of the mobile apps for autism care and intervention.

User-centered design is the most popular approach for mobile app development. Augmentative and alternative communication, video modeling, and various behavior change practices have been used as the theoretical foundation for intervention efficacy.

Lin et al., 2023

[88]

18

Identified mental health conversational agents (CAs) currently available in app stores and assessed the behavior change techniques (BCTs) used. 

Mental health CAs mostly targeted various mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression, reflecting a broad intervention focus. The most common BCTs identified serve to promote the self-management of mental disorders with few therapeutic elements. CA developers should consider the quality of information, user confidentiality, access, and emergency management when designing mental health CAs.