Here at ORCHA, we’re continuously testing and questioning apps, on the lookout for apps which are safe, secure, easy to use and, most importantly, deliver real health outcomes. To help app developers produce the best apps, we’re sharing tips from across the 260 important aspects of our Review, which together may help to set your app apart from the rest!

Goals are a vital part of any weight-management app, so we’re looking at how personalising goals, tracking progress and gamification can increase user engagement and stickiness.

Tip #5: How to use goals to increase engagement: 

An overweight population is a major concern for health bodies worldwide. Obesity has nearly tripled worldwide since 1975, and, today, more than 1.9 billion adults are overweight (World Health Organisation). Yet, with intervention, weight loss is possible.

Out of Australia, the Americas, the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa and South-East Asia, Australia had the highest share of adults that are obese, with this figure standing at 29% of Australian adults (Our World in Data).

ORCHA has reviewed more than 170 of the market’s most downloaded Level 2 Diet and Weight Loss Apps to see if there is scope for digital health interventions, such as mHealth apps, to contribute towards combating obesity. Our Review looks at more than 260 criteria across three main components: Data Security (DS), Clinical Assurance (CA) and User Experience (UX).

Find out below why nearly 3/4 of these apps (72%) should be used with caution.

Our 3D chart reveals 3 key takeaways:

1.       Amongst the apps that scored above our quality threshold (65%), OurPath (circled purple) scored exceptionally high, with a score of 90% across both iOS and Android.
2.       The App circled yellow, Gluten-Free Living, highlights that scoring well in two of the three domains isn’t enough to always push you into the 65%+ banding. The App scored well in Clinical Assurance and User Experience but exceptionally poorly in Data Security.
3.      Of the 172 Apps, 22 were Green, 125 were Amber and 25 were Red. This indicates that most Level 2 Diet and Weight Loss Apps fall into ORCHA’s ‘use with caution’ category.

To explore our 3D chart, click here.

Or to read our diet and weight loss app reviews, follow this link.

Sources:

World Health Organisation

Our World in Data

Are you prepared for the changes coming into effect soon?

NEW DATE: On Wednesday 26th February 2020, ORCHA and SEHTA will be holding an mHealth App Developer Seminar at Hill Dickinson in London, EC2A 2EW.

Geared especially towards innovators working in mHealth, the workshop aims to give app developers clear guidance on how they can prepare for and conform to the new EU medical device regulations (MDR), which come into effect from 26^th May 2020.

We want to ensure that organisations and individual developers alike are fully prepared for the introduction of these new regulations, so that the transition is as smooth and efficient as possible.

As a developer, it can be hard to know exactly how the MDR will affect your company, digital tool and your ability to market your products within the European Union.

The workshop will consist of quick pace presentations, followed by panel discussions. You will have the opportunity to learn:

• In depth information on the impending EU medical device regulations
• What organisations are currently doing to prepare for 26^th May 2020
• Who these organisations are and how they can help you
• What you need to do to prepare and how this will affect you in the future.

Early Bird Rate: Book before 30th November & Special Offer to all delegates

ORCHA is offering all delegates the opportunity to have a FREE App Review* (valued up to £300). Cost also includes a delegate pass to attend SEHTA’s 2020 International MedTech Expo & Conference on 26th March in London.

SEHTA Members: £285 + VAT per delegate

SEHTA Non-Members: £350 + VAT per delegate

For more information on the workshop agenda and to book your place, please click here.

* The Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA) is the world’s leading health app evaluation and distribution organisation. Our reviews are recognised and referenced by health professionals and the public across the world.

Which events is the ORCHA team excited about in November?

If you want to attend an event to stay abreast of the digital health market, we recommend attending:

‘Introduction to Health App’ Webinars – Every month ORCHA will be offering you the opportunity to join a webinar to introduce you to more information about the opportunities, challenges and solutions in the health app market space. You can join this by simply registering at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7099913110229874435

DigiHealth Leaders Congress – On 13th November 2019, we will be attending the DigiHealth Leaders Congress. DigitalHealth.London is partnering with LSX to bring together 300+ leaders from the global digital health ecosystem, including government, technology experts, pharma and innovators, to create a forum to share ideas and uncover how the sector can collaborate and master the challenges that lie ahead. Read more and register here: https://digitalhealth.london/events/digihealth-leaders-congress/

HiNZ – ORCHA will be heading to New Zealand from 18th-22nd November for NZ’s largest digital health event, the HiNZ Conference! We can’t wait to present and exhibit at Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ) as part of Digital Health Week New Zealand 2019, which comprises a range of events and workshops. Follow this link to learn more and find out how to register: https://www.hinz.org.nz/page/2019DHWNZ

WHINN 2019 – Week of Health and INNovation is an international health tech and health innovation conference that includes side events, an exhibition, matchmaking and networking activities, all within health and innovation. ORCHA will be speaking at WHINN 2019 on 20th November, so do come and join us to discover the latest digital health innovations! Register here: https://www.whinn.dk/registration/