Digital innovation in sepsis-related healthcare: a scoping review of mobile application literature

Background: Sepsis is a major cause of disease worldwide. Mobile applications (apps) have been developed to assist clinical practice. Current evidence evaluating such apps is diverse. This scoping review aimed to map currently available literature investigating the usage of mobile apps for sepsis-related healthcare. This will highlight evidence gaps, and areas for future innovation and app development. Methods: Databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched in June 2023 (updated in July 2024). Studies containing original research investigating mobile apps for sepsis-related healthcare were included and analysed in three categories identified from the primary purpose of the app: (1) education and awareness, (2) clinical assistance, and (3) biomarker or pathogen detection. Results: A total of 1,755 studies were identified and 27 included following screening, of which 19 (70%) were published in 2020 or later. Most of the 27 studies investigated apps for clinical assistance (70%, n = 19). These apps were diverse, acting as digital solutions for data collection (n = 2), triage (n = 6), clinical guideline access (n = 5), alert delivery (n = 1), and outcome prediction (n = 5). There were five apps (19%) used to assist biomarker or pathogen detection. Of these, most (80%, n = 4) mobile apps were used to detect and quantify colorimetric signals in combination with assays, and all five apps had attachments necessary for laboratory processes. Lastly, three apps (11%) were designed to enhance education and awareness, two targeting medical education and one targeting public awareness. Discussion: Mobile applications offer innovative and exciting digital solutions for biomarker detection, education, and clinical support in sepsis-related healthcare. Current literature is highly heterogenous and rapidly developing.