Smartphone App in Stroke Management: A Narrative Updated Review

The rapid expansion of smartphones and mobile health (m‑Health) technologies has transformed clinical practice, offering new opportunities for communication, decision support, and patient engagement. Stroke, as one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, presents unique challenges across prevention, acute management, rehabilitation, and long‑term care. In this context, smartphone applications (Apps) have emerged as valuable tools to support clinicians, patients, and caregivers throughout the entire continuum of stroke management.

This updated narrative review systematically examined the literature on stroke‑related Apps published between 2007 and early 2022. Out of 551 identified studies, 43 met inclusion criteria and were categorized into three domains: primary prevention Apps (targeting modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diet, and physical activity), acute stroke management Apps (enhancing pre‑hospital recognition, triage, and in‑hospital communication to reduce treatment delays), and post‑acute Apps (supporting rehabilitation, telemonitoring, and secondary prevention).

Findings highlight the potential of Apps to improve stroke care pathways, particularly by reducing door‑to‑needle times through enhanced communication and guideline adherence. Rehabilitation Apps leveraging sensors, virtual reality, and telemedicine show promise in supporting recovery and patient self‑management. However, gaps remain in interactive decision‑support systems and clinically validated tools, underscoring the need for further development and rigorous evaluation.

Overall, the review positions smartphone Apps as an increasingly important component of integrated stroke care, with significant potential to optimize outcomes, reduce costs, and empower both patients and healthcare providers.

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Author: SYNYO GmbH

Sources: Bonura A, Motolese F, Capone F, Iaccarino G, Alessiani M, Ferrante M, Calandrelli R, Di Lazzaro V, Pilato F. Smartphone App in Stroke Management: A Narrative Updated Review. J Stroke. 2022 Sep;24(3):323-334. doi: 10.5853/jos.2022.01410. Epub 2022 Sep 30. Erratum in: J Stroke. 2023 May;25(2):320-324. doi: 10.5853/jos.2022.01410.e1. PMID: 36221935; PMCID: PMC9561218.