[Healthcare "Apps" for Smartphones : Relief or toy for patients and the visual impaired?]

INTRODUCTION

Among the more than 1,500 "Apps" in the health sector numerous medical "Apps" and "Apps" for visually impaired persons are available.

METHODS

An Internet survey was performed to determine available medical "Apps" and evaluate their usability. The corresponding web pages were evaluated and the described "Apps" evaluated in a first analysis for the medical seriousness and usability. Identified "Apps" were entered again as key words to search for the most current and comprehensive assessment. In addition visual impaired persons possessing and using Smartphones were asked for their personal and subjective experiences and preference of selected "Apps".

RESULTS

The more than 50 "Apps" examined can be subdivided into different categories (A) stand-alone "Apps" and (B) global positioning system (GPS) driven navigation"Apps". Many "Apps" have only been available for a short time, still having some initial technical problems and are presently under further development. Medical "Apps" can support healthy and visually impaired people in many healthcare areas. A barrier-free access to these new technologies is essential for an unhindered utilization of "Apps" by visually impaired persons. Many "Apps" developed by and for visual impaired people received a high acceptance and popularity in practical applications.

CONCLUSION

The use of "Apps" in medical healthcare, especially for visually impaired persons, has a great potential to achieve a relief in the clinical provision for visually impaired persons with increasing distribution of smartphones and new technical developments.