Quality assessment of mobile applications on postpartum hemorrhage management

Abstract

Objective: To assess mobile application quality on the management of postpartum hemorrhage available in the digital stores of the main operating systems. Method: A descriptive evaluative study, carried out from January to February 2023 on the App Store® and Google Play Store®. The Mobile Application Rating Scale was used to assess quality (engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information and subjective quality). Information extraction and assessment on postpartum hemorrhage was carried out using a table with information based on official documents, containing stratification, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Results: Seven applications were included; of these, three were in English, six had an Android operating system. The quality mean was 3.88. The highest means were for functionality, reaching 5.0 (n = 6), and the lowest were for engagement, less than 3.0 (n = 4). The majority of applications presented less than 50% of the information on postpartum hemorrhage management. Conclusion: The applications assessed achieved an acceptable quality mean and, according to health organizations’ current protocols, did not contain the necessary information for complete postpartum hemorrhage management.