Develop assessment standards for mobile health apps

Approach

HealthConsult, supported by a panel of experts convened specifically for the project, undertook a horizon scan to review and analyse available evidence on mHealth assessment frameworks both domestically and internationally. The evidence identified a range of key characteristics common across mHealth assessment frameworks, and the various functional and operating characteristics that could be included in the framework. This review was supplemented by broad consultation with jurisdictions, consumers groups, peak bodies, the medical software industry, and industry experts who provided inputs into the development of a national mHealth app assessment framework for Australia and options for scope of implementation and potential operating arrangements. A first pass business case, which included cost benefit analysis of the implementation options was then prepared.

Outcome

The mHealth Assessment Framework (and associated operating model and business case) were endorsed by the National Mobile Health Applications Implementation Steering Committee and accepted by the Agency. The project led to the publication of the “Assessment Framework for mHealth Apps” which in turn provided clarity for developers and streamlined mHealth app development.

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Client

Australian Digital Health Agency