Characterization of apps and other e-tools for medication use: Insights into possible benefits and risks

2^nd International Conference on Health Informatics and Technology

July 27-29, 2015 Valencia, Spain

I Hegger, L W M van Kerkhof, C de Jong, K van de Laar and M Weda

ScientificTracks Abstracts-Workshop: J Health Med Informat

Abstract :

Little is still known regarding the use, possible effectiveness and risks of the enormous number of available health-related applications (apps). Many people use medicines and might benefit from tools that aid in the use of medicine, but could also have risks. Our aim was to gain more insight into the characteristics, possible risks and possible benefits of health apps and e-tools related to medication use.We investigateda selection of apps and other e-tools (n=116), including their characteristics. We found that a small subset of tools might involve relatively high risks (medical devices- class II and used by patients without involvement of health care professionals). On the other hand, a large majority of the tools (>80%) were assessed as relatively low risk tools (�??non-medical device�??). However, the availability of these e-tools is enormous and poor functionality of these e-tools might have negative health effects for users. Since regulation of all the available health apps is impossible due to high numbers and constant changes, it is important for the general public to receive proper education concerning the possible risks associated with using apps and e-tools.

Biography :

I Hegger completed her PharmD at Utrecht University of Utrecht and is a Senior Researcher at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, The Netherlands. She is an expert on the regulation of medicinal products, with special interest in biologicals. Currently, her focus is on �??close-to-policy�?� projects in the field of medical products, pharmaceutical care and health policy. She is project leader of project �??e-Medication�?? on the influence of internet on medicines use and involved in projects on the EU regulatory system for medicinal products and clinical trials. Furthermore, she is working on her PhD in a strategic research project on the utilization of knowledge within public health policy and healthcare supervision.