Monday, April 28, 2025
4/28/2025
App Factory to Support Health and Function of People with Disabilities - Mobile Health “App Factory” to Support Health and Function of People with Disabilities Mobile healthcare (mHealth) is an important new tool for management of chronic conditions. Software applications for smartphones comprise a popular form of mHealth. However, proliferation of mHealth “apps” could increase health disparities and leave vulnerable populations behind, including people with disabilities. A targeted effort is needed to promote mHealth apps addressing the needs of people with disabilities. The goal of this DRRP is to apply our successful App Factory model to promote development of apps that address high-priority health needs of people with disabilities. Objectives are to: 1. Identify needs for mHealth app development targeting health and function of people with disabilities. 2. Develop and deploy 3-4 mHealth apps per year, selected based on an annual competition for proposals targeting high priority needs. 3. Evaluate long term use and impact of mHealth apps on disabled users' health, function and quality of life outcomes. 4. Evaluate curated mHealth apps to determine their suitability for disabled users, and disseminate information about accessibility and clinical utility of these apps. 5. Provide training and technical assistance to people with disabilities and their support workers to aid in selection, set up and use of mHealth apps. 6. Provide training and technical assistance to app developers to support development of apps that address the needs of people with disabilities. Partners in this effort include existing LiveWell RERC collaborators (Shepherd Center and Duke University), the University of Montana, and industry partner MobileSmith. Deliverables will include a minimum of 16 mHealth apps, a website with information about curated apps that are suitable for disabled users, and published articles documenting effectiveness of selected mHealth apps on health and function outcomes of people with disabilities.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).