How the Smartphone Is Changing Allergy Diagnostics

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2018 Oct 25;18(12):69. doi: 10.1007/s11882-018-0824-4.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Evidence-based clinical diagnosis of allergic disorders is increasingly challenging. Clinical decision support systems implemented in mobile applications (apps) are being developed to assist clinicians in diagnostic decisions at the point of care. We reviewed apps for allergic diseases general diagnosis, diagnostic refinement and diagnostic personalisation. Apps designed for specific medical devices are not addressed.

Recent findings: Apps with potential usefulness in the initial diagnosis and diagnostic refinement of respiratory, food, skin and drug allergies are described. Apps to support diagnostic personalisation are not yet available. There is an urgent need to increase the scientific evidence on the real usefulness of these apps, as well as to develop new scientifically grounded apps designed and validated to support all allergic diseases and diagnostic levels. Apps have the potential to change the diagnosis of allergic diseases becoming part of the routine diagnostics toolset, but its usefulness needs to be established.

Keywords: Allergy; Apps; Clinical decision support systems; Diagnosis; Smartphone in medicine; mHealth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Mobile Applications*
  • Phenotype
  • Smartphone*
  • Telemedicine / instrumentation
  • Telemedicine / methods*