Mobile Application-Based Care on Health Outcomes in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Effective disease management is crucial for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients as it can significantly reduce disease-associated symptoms. Currently, the utilization of mobile applications for managing RA patients has gained widespread popularity in clinical settings. However, there is a notable absence of a comprehensive meta-analysis exploring their effectiveness specifically in the context of RA patients.

Objective: The purpose of our research was to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile app-based care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: We searched eight databases, including CNKI and PubMed, for randomized controlled trials on the implementation of care for RA patients by mobile apps. This search encompassed a timeframe ranging from the inception of the databases to December 1, 2023. Two researchers reviewed the literature and gathered data based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the study was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0. The meta-analysis was carried out using Revman5.4. software.

Results: Eight articles encompassing 3175 patients were retrieved for analysis. Over one-half of the research was from China, duration of the intervention was 6 weeks to 12 months, and eight included studies were of moderate quality. The meta-analysis revealed that mobile app-based care was effective in relieving disease activity, relieving pain, and improving patients' quality of life, however, the impact on self-management was not clear.

Conclusion: Mobile app-based care has proven effective in reducing disease activity, alleviating joint pain, and improving quality of life in RA patients. Nonetheless, an in-depth study is recommended to clarify the potential of these interventions for self-management.

Trial registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; Registration number: CRD CRD42024498623.