Cell phones and information technology can be allies in the care of chronic diseases. Despite the wide availability of mobile device applications (apps), many offered by industry and providers, questions remain about the real efficacy of these technologies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of mobile device apps designed for use by outpatients in treatment for asthma and describe its main characteristics and functionalities.

A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was conducted. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the adoption of mobile apps on Android or iOS systems compared to the usual care, published in the last five years. Asthma control rate was defined as the primary outcome, and visits to emergency departments, hospitalizations and adherence to pharmacological treatment were secondary outcomes.

Four RCTs (n = 415) met the inclusion criteria, two involving children and adults, and two only adults. Methodological quality was low to moderate. Common functionalities were asthma action plans, registration of the usual treatment, symptom diaries and educational alerts. Results were heterogeneous with respect to all outcomes evaluated. Study dropouts and lack of follow-up were frequent.

The clinical utility of mobile apps for asthma was evaluated in a few randomized studies; more data are necessary to establish the value of these technologies for asthma control.