In Search of Accurate Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Mobile Applications

Background: Regulation of medical applications (apps) has not been rigorous. Concern for inaccurate medical apps with potential health consequences has increased. Objective: To identify mobile apps for fetal heart rate monitoring (FHM) and to evaluate their accuracy through a case report. Methods: A list of FHM apps was found in the Apple iTunes stores using a comprehensive list of search terms. After excluding apps irrelevant to this study, all unique apps were then downloaded and evaluated for necessary purchase of an accessory item, presence of disclaimer regarding medical advice, and accuracy of medical content. Those apps that did not require additional purchases were tested for ability to detect heart rates. Results: A total of 30 unique FHM apps were generated. Of these apps, 1 app required an in-app purchase to use and 7 apps required purchase of an accessory device and thus were not further evaluated. Of the 22 remaining apps, all (100%) of the applications were unable to detect the fetal heart rate. Further data collection revealed additional issues, including duplicates, lack of medical disclaimers regarding medical use of the app, and false information in the app content. Conclusion: Identification of FHM apps that do not require additional purchases revealed that all apps were inaccurate. In addition, some apps did not provide a disclaimer and/or contained false information. Healthcare providers should understand the problems with these FHM apps and educate their patients on the inaccuracies and potential dangers of the use of these applications.