Health App Guidance released by Ministry of Health

October 2017

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.

The Ministry, with sector stakeholders, has recently released Guidance on Evaluating or Developing a Health App.A health app provides information, advice, and feedback on health, fitness or wellbeing. It can be downloaded onto a smart phone or

A health app provides information, advice, and feedback on health, fitness or wellbeing. It can be downloaded onto a smart phone or other mobile device.

Ministry of Health Guidance

The Ministry of Health guidance document focuses on:

• Guidance for clinicians and consumers
• Guidance for app developers

Click here to view the guidance

Getting an app reviewed

A second piece of work, to provide an assessment framework for clinical apps, is underway.  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. Contact form is available on the Health Navigator website.