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Meta-Analysis
. 2020 Apr 1;30(1):11.
doi: 10.1038/s41533-020-0167-1.

Are COPD self-management mobile applications effective? A systematic review and meta-analysis

G Shaw  1 , M E Whelan  2 , L C Armitage  3 , N Roberts  4 , A J Farmer  3
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Are COPD self-management mobile applications effective? A systematic review and meta-analysis

G Shaw et al. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med. .

Abstract

The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to patients and health services is steadily increasing. Self-management supported by mobile device applications could improve outcomes for people with COPD. Our aim was to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of mobile health applications compared with usual care. A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials. Outcomes of interest included exacerbations, physical function, and Quality of Life (QoL). Where possible, outcome data were pooled for meta-analyses. Of 1709 citations returned, 13 were eligible trials. Number of exacerbations, quality of life, physical function, dyspnea, physical activity, and self-efficacy were reported. Evidence for effectiveness was inconsistent between studies, and the pooled effect size for physical function and QoL was not significant. There was notable variation in outcome measures used across trials. Developing a standardized outcome-reporting framework for digital health interventions in COPD self-management may help standardize future research.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. PRISMA flowchart.
The PRISMA flowchart reporting the number of papers identified, screened, and excluded.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Risk of bias assessment.
An outline of the bias assessment findings for the 13 included trials.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. Physical function forest plot.
Forest plot of the effect of mobile device applications on physical function.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4. QoL forest plot.
Forest plot of the effect of mobile device applications on quality of life.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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