Identifying and Evaluating Patient-Centered Mobile and Web Apps for Patients With Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Systematic Search and Content Analysis

Abstract Background Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is characterized by recurrent wheals or angioedema lasting for more than 6 weeks and substantially affecting the quality of life. Given its fluctuating course, accurate symptom monitoring is essential. Mobile health apps (MHAs) offer promising tools for real-time symptom tracking, patient education, and communication. Systematic evaluation of existing MHAs for CSU is critical to inform the development of effective, patient-centered digital solutions. Objective This study aimed to identify and evaluate publicly available MHAs for patients with CSU, assessing their quality, usability, and alignment with the needs of both patients and physicians to guide the development of future patient-centered apps. Methods A systematic search of app stores and the internet was conducted to identify MHAs for CSU. Inclusion required German or English language support and patient-centered content. Apps were excluded if they contained advertisements; lacked patient-centered content, designed to assist patients in the self-management and care of their condition; or were focused on clinical trials or health care professional use. After screening, 1 app, CRUSE Control, met all criteria and was evaluated by 23 physicians and 16 patients with CSU using the German versions of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS and end-user version of MARS) and the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire. Participants’ technical affinity was assessed using the affinity for technology interaction scale and the Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire. Additionally, they completed a custom questionnaire on their personal needs and expectations for CSU-specific MHAs. Results Fifteen MHAs were identified, with 12 available on both platforms. Eleven apps were excluded due to lack of specificity to CSU (n=10) or not being patient-centered (n=1). One app, CRUSE Control, met all inclusion criteria and was selected for final evaluation. CRUSE Control received similar mean (SD) quality ratings from physicians (MARS 4.03, SD 0.45) and patients (end-user version of MARS: 4.06, SD 0.40; P =.83). Among the MARS subcategories, functionality was rated significantly higher by patients than by physicians (4.75, SD 0.41 vs 4.47, SD 0.55; P =.04). Usability, measured using the German mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (assessing effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction), showed no significant difference between physicians (5.85, SD 0.71) and patients (5.76, SD 0.41; P =.64). Technology affinity was comparable between groups, with physicians scoring 3.50 (SD 0.66) and patients 4.00 (SD 0.88) on the affinity for technology interaction ( P =.05). Proficiency with mobile devices, assessed via the Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire, also showed similar results (physicians: 4.81, SD 0.26; patients: 4.74, SD 0.45; P =.60). Conclusions Few high-quality MHAs for CSU are currently available, and only 1 met the inclusion criteria. Patients and physicians rated the app highly, though patients placed greater emphasis on functionality. High technology affinity in both groups supports adoption. Patients prioritized features that facilitate disease management. Although limited to a single app, these findings suggest that MHAs may support CSU care.