Mobile applications for patients undergoing assisted reproduction: A systematic review of the gap between clinical research and practice

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate mobile applications available for patients undergoing assisted reproduction and assess the extent of their clinical validation.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the Apple App Store and Google Play between September 1, 2023 and September 30, 2023 to identify mobile applications related to assisted reproduction. Apps were evaluated using the mobile app rating scale (MARS). In parallel, a literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science was performed to identify clinical studies related to mobile applications in assisted reproduction. Clinical validation status and MARS scores were recorded, and findings were synthesized to highlight the gap between commercially available apps and research-based evidence.

Results: From 1 143 apps screened, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Mean MARS score across apps was 3.63, with Leeaf scoring the highest (4.60). However, only one application (Embie) was supported by published research. The literature research identified 13 relevant studies, mostly randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, or usability studies. While research-based apps demonstrated clinical utility (e.g., MediEmo, PreLiFe, Patient Journey App), most were unavailable on app stores. This revealed a disconnect between research-backed applications and those accessible to patients.

Conclusions: Although several mobile apps for assisted reproduction demonstrate high usability and quality, few are clinically validated. The lack of integration between research and practice highlights the need for stronger collaboration between researchers, developers, and policymakers to ensure that patients access safe and effective tools.

Keywords

Mobile application / mHealth apps / Digital health tools / In vitro fertilization / Assisted reproduction / Infertility / User experience / Usability assessment

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding

This research was funded by Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) under grant number NCM2020-28-01.

Authors’ contributions

The study concept was developed by Huy Phuong Tran, Thuy Thi-Thanh Tran, Tuyet Thi-Diem Hoang, Hang Thi Phan, Nam Nhat Nguyen, and Le-Giang Tran. The intellectual content was defined by Huy Phuong Tran, Le-Giang Tran, and Van-Toi Vo. The investigation of published studies was conducted by Huy Phuong Tran, Minh-Triet Ho, Dang-Quang Tran, and Nam Nhat Nguyen. Minh-Triet Ho and Dang-Quang Tran evaluated the mobile applications. The interpretation of the review was handled by Huy Phuong Tran, Minh-Triet Ho, and Dang-Quang Tran. Finally, the manuscript writing was carried out by Minh-Triet Ho, Dang-Quang Tran, Huy Phuong Tran, and Le-Giang Tran.

Publisher’ s Note

The Publisher of the Journal remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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