170 Summary and Discussion GENERAL DICUSSION Mobile applications have the potential to enhance and support colorectal surgical care in several ways. However, despite the substantial number of medical applications available in app stores, only a limited number have been adequately assessed in peer-reviewed literature. This is of great concern, and healthcare providers and patients should be aware of the level of evidence regarding the applications they prescribe or utilize. The use of non-validated or poorly validated applications poses a significant risk, particularly when the application has a direct impact on clinical outcomes. It is important to note that healthcare providers may be held accountable if they use applications that fail to adhere to safety and quality requirements. However, responsible use of medical applications can be promoted if standards are established and adhered. To address the question of how to enhance the quality and safety of medical applications, it is imperative to evaluate applications in clinical studies, including control groups, objective measures of their effectiveness, and the use of validated and reusable questionnaires. An essential component of this process is the involvement of an 'expert' healthcare provider to safeguard the accuracy of medical content and ensure that apps undergo robust research and vetting. Ideally, app stores should play an active role in assessing the evidence supporting an app's effectiveness and safety before acceptance for publication. The development process of medical applications must be described transparently, allowing for the assessment of whether all necessary conditions have been met. Building a medical application Medical applications must be thoughtfully designed in content and user interface and adhere to privacy and medical device safety criteria.1 It is important to acknowledge the inherent risk of poor implementation and underutilization if applications are not well built or maintained. If an application is designed to be used by patients, it is recommended to involve patients early in the development process, evaluate their perspectives, and assess how an application can provide support.2 It is imperative to ensure that applications are designed to cater to needs of patient with low digital literacy as well, and their useability is optimized, including a comprehension and intuitive user interface with straightforward navigation supported by visual aids.3 The expertise of a qualified developer, possessing functional and graphical design specialists and relevant certifications to ensure adherence to privacy and quality standards, is also required. Ideally, developers should have prior experience in the development of medical applications. After registration in app stores, it is crucial that the application is adequately technically supported, as any technical issues may impact the effectiveness of the application during clinical use or research. It is recommended to establish a solid
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk4NDMw