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About our health apps guidance

There are many health apps on the market, and it can be difficult for clinicians or consumers to know which ones to recommend or use. Clinicians are often asked how effective different apps are.

This guidance document focuses on two key areas:

Section 1: Guidance for clinicians and consumers – key points to consider for:

  • clinicians if consumers ask about the effectiveness of a health app or if you wish to recommend an app to them
  • consumers wondering how to select an appropriate app to improve your health or wellbeing.

Section 2: Guidance for app developers – key points to consider before deciding to develop a new health app.

A second piece of work, to provide an assessment framework for clinical apps, is underway.

Guidance on evaluating or developing a health app

Getting an app reviewed

You can undertake app reviews yourself using the tools or frameworks outlined in Guidance on Evaluating or Developing a Health App.

However, if you have an app that:

  • has an English language option
  • is widely available with unrestricted access; and
  • the description and images indicate potential usefulness,

you could apply to the Health Navigator team who may conduct an internal review.

A contact form is available on the Healthify He Puna Waiora website (formerly Health Navigator).

Have your say

A sector meeting to discuss guidance on evaluating or developing an app is in the works. If you want to be part of it, contact eHealth@health.govt.nz.

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