An evidence and gap map of controlled trials and systematic reviews of controlled trials for self-help apps - Protocol for evidence and gap map
Project
|Updated
It is important to map what type of effectiveness research about self-help apps exists and what interventions they are used for. This research map might inform prioritization for further research in the field.
Summary
At any point, there are many people in Norway with the intention of making lifestyle changes. For example, they want to exercise more or drink less alcohol. The percentage that fails is large; change is hard. It has been documented that self-help apps can contribute to more people succeeding with lifestyle changes that can have positive impacts on their health. The Norwegian Directorate of Health, the Norwegian Directorate for eHealth and the Norwegian Health Network are going to develop a national approval strategy for this type of app. It is important to map what type of effectiveness research about self-help apps exists and what interventions they are used for. This research map might inform prioritization for further research in the field.
An evidence and gap map (EGMs) is a systematic evidence synthesis product that displays the available evidence relevant to a broader research question. To identify randomised trials (RCT) and systematic reviews of RCTs on self-help apps for support, guidance, teaching or exercises for mastery, self-care and/or lifestyle changes, we will conduct a systematic search for in four data bases and Microsoft Academic Graph. Two researchers will independently screen, include and code relevant studies at the title and abstract level following a predefined framework. We will present the research in a report written in and as an interactive online evidence and gap map.
Project leader
Heather Melanie R Ames, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Project participants
Elisabet Vivianne Hafstad, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Henriette Tyse Nygård, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Maria Bjerk, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Start
01.10.2021
End
01.04.2022
Status
Concluded
Project owner/ Project manager
Norwegian Institute of Public Health