Mobile Applications for Sepsis‐Related Healthcare: A Systematic Search and Evaluation Within App Stores
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background and Aims: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that poses a significant global health challenge. The rapid development and use of mobile phone technology has led to an increase in mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps). This review aimed to evaluate free and publicly available mHealth apps for sepsis-related healthcare, focusing on app features, quality, and clinical calculator accuracy. Methods: with sepsis search terms. To be included in this review, applications had to be in English, free and publicly available to download, and support sepsis-related healthcare in any age group. Two reviewers independently assessed app features, contents, clinical calculator function, and quality using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Results: Out of 317 identified apps, 16 met the inclusion criteria. These apps predominantly targeted healthcare professionals and supported many functions, such as education, diagnosis, management, clinical decision support, and clinical calculators. The mean MARS score of all apps was 3.25 out of 5 (SD 0.45), signifying acceptable app quality overall. The highest-scoring domain was information (mean 3.79, SD 0.59), and the lowest was engagement (mean 2.45, SD 0.43). Of 10 apps with clinical calculators, three (30%) had a calculation error. Conclusion: Most sepsis-related mHealth apps currently available are designed for clinicians' use as clinical decision-support tools. While overall app quality was acceptable, errors in the calculator function were identified, highlighting the crucial need for better mHealth regulatory guidelines and quality control.
Source: Health Science Reports
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.71886
Authors: Jacky Kao, Khalia Ackermann, Vincent Lam, Ling Li
Institutions: Macquarie University, Westmead Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,280
Funder: Macquarie University
OpenAlex ID: W7130818564
