mHealth Apps for Family Caregivers of Stroke Patients:  A Systematic Review

Anwar Fazal Abu  Bakar; Azimatun  Noor Aizuddin; Roszita  Ibrahim; Muhammad  Zulfakhar Zubir; Wan Asyraf Wan  Zaidi; Hamed  Khazaei

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i10.20132

Anwar Fazal Abu Bakar Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Azimatun Noor Aizuddin Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Roszita Ibrahim Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Muhammad Zulfakhar Zubir Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Wan Asyraf Wan Zaidi Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hamed Khazaei Scipeline, Ontario, Canada

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i10.20132

Keywords: mHealth apps; Stroke caregivers; Rehabilitation; Digital health; Caregiver burden

Abstract

Background: Family caregivers of stroke patients play a critical role in post-stroke recovery, yet they often face significant challenges, including physical and emotional stress, lack of knowledge, and limited access to resources. Mobile health (mHealth) apps offer a promising solution to support caregivers by providing education, task management, and mental health resources. However, gaps remain in understanding the effectiveness, functionalities, and limitations of these apps. This study aimed to 1) identify and categorize existing mHealth apps for family caregivers of stroke patients, 2) evaluate the effectiveness of these apps in supporting caregivers, and 3) analyze the gaps in current mHealth offerings to inform future app development.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing 30 studies published between 2014 and 2024 from databases such as IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. The studies were evaluated based on app functionality and effectiveness in caregiver support, and limitations were identified.

Results: The findings revealed a diverse range of mHealth apps offering functionalities such as caregiver education, rehabilitation guidance, task management, communication tools, and health monitoring. However, notable gaps were identified, including limited multi-functionality, insufficient support for caregiver well-being, a lack of customization for diverse needs, and minimal validation through rigorous trials.

Conclusion: While mHealth apps provide valuable tools for family caregivers of stroke patients, addressing the identified gaps is essential to maximize their impact. Future Development should focus on creating comprehensive, user-centered, and evidence-based apps that integrate education, mental health support, and task management.