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328478
Identifying and evaluating existing iPhone and iPad apps for genomics education


Monday, November 2, 2015

Divya Talwar, M.P.H., Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Shubhangi Vasdeo, MPH, Texas A&M, College Station, TX
Lei-Shih Chen, PhD, PT, CHES, Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Introduction: Smartphone apps are increasingly becoming indispensable to health professionals and students for accessing latest clinical research, healthcare interventions, and education materials. However, limited literature exists on evaluating existing smartphone apps focusing on genomics education. This study aims to identify and analyze available genomics apps, which focus on genomics education for both healthcare professionals and students.

Methods: Both iPhone and iPad apps were identified from the iTunes store using the keywords “genomics”, “genetics”, “genetic”, and “genomic”. A content analysis was performed based on app function, cost, scientific evidence, and app uploader. 

Results: A total of 92 genomic apps focused on genomics education material. However, only 29% (n=27) mentioned their materials were grounded in scientific research materials such as Medline and PubMed. Eighteen percent (n=17) apps focused on chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity. Only sixteen percent (n=15) of the total educational apps were uploaded by authoritative groups such as governmental agencies, professional membership organizations etc.

Conclusion: Limited smartphone apps exist based on empirical research or uploaded by reliable sources. Developing reliable iPhone/iPad apps is important direction for future genomic education.

Learning Areas:

Communication and informatics
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Identify available iPhone/iPad apps on genomic education Discuss the features and function of existing apps on genomic education

Keyword(s): Genetics, Communication Technology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: This study is part of my dissertation project and I have been working on this project from past year.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3282.0: Innovative Approaches to Health Communication Interventions and Research (organized by HCWG)