Evaluating Mobile Information Apps for Parents of Preterm Infants After Hospital Discharge: Systematic App Review

The current availability of mobile information apps for parents of preterm infants targeting the period after hospital discharge is limited. A total of 9 English apps were identified, which contained a small portion related to the postdischarge period. This content is not comprehensive for the postdischarge period: topics indicated as relevant by parents, such as crying in preterm infants, diaper change in preterm, or parental well-being after preterm birth, are often missing. The overall quality of the apps is only acceptable. Although the reliability of the information was close to good, the understandability of the apps was moderate. Recommendations for future app development include more relevant and understandable information related to the postdischarge period, which meets the demand of parents of preterm infants.