The NZ Health App Library is a collection of reviews of consumer-focused health apps for a wide range of health needs. The library also has helpful tips on how to use apps safely. The apps in the library are reviewed by our team and then independently reviewed by clinicians in the relevant field. This makes it quick and easy for you to find trusted apps you can use to help make a difference to your health. This initiative is supported by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and is overseen by the NZ App Library Advisory Group.
App selection
Apps are organised into categories relating to a health condition or aspect of healthy living. The categories chosen are in response to requests from the Healthify team, clinicians and consumers or from searching other independent app review websites. For example, the group of apps for women's health, includes categories for endometriosis, fertility, period tracking and PCOS apps.
Once a category has been chosen, we search for apps and decide which ones to include. We find new apps in a number of different ways, including:
- a literature review of research papers
- published reviews of apps on other independent app review websites
- searches on Apple and Google Play app stores
- trending apps on social media and popular news
- being alerted by app developers about new, relevant apps
- through our supporter organisations and networks
- through website users, including consumers using the apps.
Inclusion criteria
The main inclusion criteria are that the app must have an English language option and should be widely available rather than have restricted access.
Both New Zealand and non-New Zealand-based apps are included. We mainly include free apps but also consider some apps that have a cost associated with them.
We want to review apps that are most relevant to New Zealanders. Therefore, our policy is to prioritise New Zealand-developed apps over international apps, as well as apps focused on Māori and Pacific Peoples that have been co-designed with consumers and clinicians. We also prioritise apps that aim to meet a key area of need and that have an evidence base or evaluation of effectiveness, acceptability and usability, as well as a privacy policy.
| New Zealand-developed apps |
| If you're a developer and would like your app reviewed, please complete the app screening tool(external link). |
App assessment
Apps are assessed mainly for their usefulness and safety by a clinical subject matter expert or health professional working in the relevant clinical area.
The assessment includes a review of the features, functionality and information quality of the app, with consideration of the app's main purpose and its target audience.
A summary of the pros and cons or likes and dislikes of the app is also included.
The reviewer also assesses the relevance of the app to a New Zealand audience. This also highlights aspects of the app that may not be relevant to New Zealand users, such as different units of measurement or products not available in New Zealand, or information that may not be in keeping with New Zealand best practice.
Based on the clinical review and overall impression of the app, the clinical reviewer assigns a score to the app (5 = very good, 4 = good, 3 = neutral, 2 = poor, 1 = very poor and therefore not recommended). This is displayed as a star rating on the app review or as 'not recommended'.
Exclusion criteria
Apps are excluded if they're considered to be clinically unsafe or potentially harmful to users. Other reasons for excluding apps include incomplete content, functionality issues and security or privacy concerns.
Additional information
We offer more than reviews. Based on our findings from literature searches, we provide guidance on what users need to consider when selecting an app and how to use apps safely, eg, tips when using blood pressure apps. In addition, we've created a few plain language resources:
- How to choose a health app(external link)
- Privacy and security tips for using health apps(external link)
Limitations
Despite our efforts to provide you with the information you need to choose a health app, there are some limitations to this process.
Firstly, although we download and test apps, we also rely on the description on the app website and developer-provided documentation. We don't do independent testing to validate claims. Secondly, the health app space is ever changing and health apps come and go, and whilst we aim to keep reviews current and up to date, it can be difficult to keep up with this.
Thirdly, as with all reviews, each review reflects the opinion of the reviewer, in this case a clinician with relevant expertise.
If you're unsure whether an app is right for you, you can discuss this with your healthcare provider.
