Mobile applications for the implementation of patient-reported outcome measures in skin allergies

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), angioedema (AE), and atopic dermatitis (AD) are some of the common recurrent dermatological conditions that seriously affect the quality of life in patients through wheals, itching, and swelling unpredictably. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are standardized tools used to assess disease activity and the quality of life from the patient’s perspective. However, these instruments are usually underutilized in clinical settings due to various reasons such as time constraints and logistical challenges. The objective of the study is to assess and describe mobile applications that incorporate PROMs for skin allergy monitoring and management, focusing on features, usability, and clinical utility. A qualitative descriptive analysis of five selected mobile apps that integrated validated PROMs for CSU, AE, or AD, which were publicly available at major app stores, with supporting documentation or published literature, was performed. The mobile app rating scale (MARS) framework was used to appraise the apps, considering ratings found in app stores, user feedback, and literature reviews. Among the five applications evaluated, namely Target My Hives, UrCare, SymTrac, HAE TrackR, and CRUSE, there was considerable variability in how PROMs were integrated into features that support symptom tracking and facilitate interaction between patients and clinicians. Key aspects are summarized in a comparative table, followed by a narrative analysis highlighting strengths in engagement and limitations in automation. The review is based on secondary data, with no direct user testing; gaps in app design, regulatory compliance, and electronic health record integration were noted. Mobile applications with PROMs hold promise for improving care in skin allergy but need further clinical validation, advances in accessibility, and interoperability.