Identification of iPhone and iPad applications for obstetrics and gynecology providers

OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify the number of applications ("apps") compatible with the iPhone and the iPad that are potentially useful to obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns). METHODS: Obstetrics and gynecology MeSH terms were searched in the Apple iTunes Store. A master list of unique apps was created and the apps were divided into categories and subcategories. RESULTS: A total of 1,816 unique apps using 55 different obstetrics and gynecology MeSH terms were found. Of these unique apps, 242 apps (13.3%) were considered potentially useful to ob-gyns. The MeSH terms that yielded the highest number of potentially useful apps were "gynecology" (23%), "breast cancer" (17%), "obstetrics" (14%), and "pregnancy" (12%). CONCLUSION: Less than 15% of apps found were considered potentially useful to ob-gyns. Thus, the obstetrics and gynecology community is in need of an organized effort to identify, review, and determine the accuracy of apps that can potentially improve the performance of health care providers and lead to better patient outcomes. We propose the formation of a committee to guide in this important task.