App-Based Epilepsy Self-Management: Clarifying Health Tracking Needs and Preferences Through a Content Analysis of User Reviews

Abstract

Remote measurement applications (apps) and associated technologies are promising self-management tools for people living with epilepsy.  The development of new self-management apps requires designers to understand the needs and preferences of those living with epilepsy. We therefore aimed to guide the design of future epilepsy self-management tools by analysing the content of publicly available user reviews of existing epilepsy management apps. We systematically reviewed epilepsy self-management apps which were publicly available on the Google Play and iOS app stores and extracted English-language reviews of eligible apps published between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021. We then conducted quantitative sentiment analysis and qualitative framework analysis on reviews which discussed the health tracking features of included apps. Searches identified 60 unique apps, of which 13 met the eligibility criteria. 219 reviews from 10 of these apps were eligible and included in this analysis. Qualitative analysis revealed four themes: (1) the added value of app-based epilepsy tracking, (2) app design preferences include complex features with simple user experiences, (3) technical challenges hinder app-based epilepsy tracking, and (4) costs associated with app-based epilepsy tracking. Apps should allow greater flexibility in epilepsy tracking, as individual manifestations of epilepsy, triggers, and contexts vary substantially. Interoperability and simple interfaces are also desired to enable more effective app-based epilepsy management. App reviews provide valuable insights into the experiences of individuals with epilepsy. These insights suggest topics for further inquiry through qualitative research and can support the design of future epilepsy self-management applications.

Keywords: self-management, digital health, seizure tracking, medication tracking, data visualization