Michael L. Millenson|Jessica Baldwin|Lorri Zipperer|Hardeep Singh
Beyond Dr. Google: the evidence on consumer-facing digital tools for diagnosis
Healthcentric Advisors|Northwestern University|Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center|Center for Innovation|Baylor College of Medicine|Center for Innovation|Baylor College of Medicine|Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
abstract third adults go online diagnose health condition directtoconsumer dtc interactive diagnostic apps information personalization capabilities beyond static search engines rapidly proliferating apps promise faster convenient accurate information improve diagnosis little known state evidence performance methods used evaluate conducted scoping review peerreviewed gray literature period january 1 2014june 30 2017 found largest category evaluations involved symptom checkers applied algorithms useranswered questions followed sensordriven apps applied algorithms smartphone photos handful evaluations examining crowdsourcing common clinical areas evaluated dermatology general diagnostic triage advice range conditions evaluations highly variable methodology conclusions half describing app characteristics half examining actual performance apps found vary widely functionality accuracy safety effectiveness although usefulness evidence limited frequent failure provide results named individual app overall current evidence base dtc interactive diagnostic apps sparse scope uneven information provided inconclusive respect safety effectiveness studies clinical risks benefits involving realworld consumer use given dtc diagnostic apps rapidly evolving rigorous standardized evaluations essential inform decisions clinicians patients policymakers stakeholders