Recently we’ve been asked by academics about how to create apps utilizing Apple’s ResearchKit platform. We’re in the process of working on a toolkit for physicians and have started the discussion in our forum area. In the interim, we wanted to highlight exciting engagement data that Apple and LifeMap Solutions have released for one of the ResearchKit apps, Asthma Health by Mount Sanai.
Key findings from the Asthma Health Researchkit app:
– Over half the users who downloaded the app completed the e-consent process.
– Initial data shows that users are as engaged, or more, with Asthma Health as they are with games and social network apps.
– When notifications were sent out on particular days, this created a significant spike in app usage.
The most interesting thing about the information released is how well the consent process went. I am astounded that more than half the users actually went through the e-consent process. I downloaded the Asthma Health app when researching the various ResearchKit apps and found all the consents to have necessary, but very lengthy information. Anyone who has tried to get patients enrolled in studies knows you’re lucky if you’re able to enroll even 50% of the people you approach.
The following graph shows the “stickiness” of the Asthma Health app:
Source: Apple
