Data handling practices and commercial features of apps related to children: a scoping review of content analyses.

BACKGROUND: Child interaction (including via parent proxy) with mobile apps is common, generating concern about children's privacy and vulnerability to advertising and other commercial interests. Researchers have conducted numerous app content evaluations, but there is less attention to data sharing or commercial practices. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review of commercial app evaluation studies describes the nature of such evaluations, including assessments of data privacy, data security and app-based advertising. METHODS: We searched Scopus, PubMed, Embase and ACM Digital Library (2005-2020). We included studies that evaluated the properties of apps available through commercial app stores and targeted children, parents of a child (0-18 years) or expectant parents. Data extracted and synthesised were study and app user characteristics, and app privacy, data sharing, security, advertisement and in-app purchase elements. RESULTS: We included 34 studies; less than half (n=15; 44.1%) evaluated data privacy and security elements and half (n=17; 50.0%) assessed app commercial features. Common issues included frequent data sharing or lax security measures, including permission requests and third-party data transmissions. In-app purchase options and advertisements were common and involved manipulative delivery methods and content that is potentially harmful to child health. CONCLUSIONS: Research related to the data handling and the commercial features of apps that may transmit children's data is preliminary and has not kept pace with the rapid expansion and evolution of mobile app development. Critical examinations of these app aspects are needed to elucidate risks and inform regulations aimed at protecting children's privacy and well-being.

Strategies to facilitate shared decision-making in long-term care.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore shared decision-making among residents, their families and staff to determine relevant strategies to support shared decision-making in long-term care (LTC). BACKGROUND: Meaningful engagement of long-term care home (LTCH) residents and their families in care decisions is key in the provision of quality of care. Shared decision-making is an interprofessional approach to increasing resident and family engagement in care decisions which can lead to higher quality decisions, more relevant care interventions and greater resident, family, and staff satisfaction. Despite these advantages, shared decision-making has not been widely implemented in practice in LTC. METHODS: The study took place in one LTCH in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A qualitative descriptive design was used to explore how residents, family members and staff described how they collaborate when making decisions concerning resident care, and their perceptions of facilitators and challenges to a collaborative approach to decision-making. Individual interviews were conducted with nine participants: residents, families and staff. Data were analysed using content and thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Four main themes that described resident, family and staff perspectives of shared decision-making were as follows: (a) oral communication pathways for information sharing; (b) supporting resident decision-making autonomy; (c) relational aspects of care facilitate shared decision-making; and (d) lack of effective communication creates barriers to shared decision-making. CONCLUSION: As the demand for LTC continues to increase, it is crucial that healthcare providers engage in collaborative, relational practices that foster high-quality resident care. While a relational approach to care can facilitate shared decision-making, there are opportunities to further cultivate shared decision-making in LTCHs through more effective communication and collaboration. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Understanding how information is shared and decisions are made can facilitate shared decision-making in LTCHs. The strategies identified from this study could be further co-developed and implemented in LTCHs.