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My Kidneys, My Health app

An app to learn more about managing kidney disease.

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My Kidneys, My Health app	By Kidney Health Australia
	Features Education and information. Online community.
Clinical review	Read a clinical review below.
Security and privacy	Read more about safety and security when using apps. Brochures: Tips to improve your privacy and security [PDF, 65 KB] Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ Staying safe online(external link) Netsafe, NZ
Cost	Free
How to get the app	(external link) (external link) (external link)

This app is a collection of resources to help people better manage their kidney disease. The app has 3 main sections, which are colour-coded:

Blue - detect: this section has information about understanding kidney disease and how it is diagnosed.
Green - prevent: this section has information on ways to slow down or stop kidney damage.
Yellow - support: this section has tips on how to help yourself and how others can help you.

In addition the app has links to a variety of resources and factsheets, a dictionary explaining complex medical terms and a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section. For the complete app description, go to the app website(external link) , Google Play(external link) or iTunes(external link) and for a detailed review, see reviews below.

PROS	CONS
✔Interactive and largely accurate information about chronic kidney disease with a few quizzes. ✔ Has links to external resources (but these are Australian specific).	✘ There are several errors of omission. There is no information on statins, aspirin, anaemia, influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, and potassium among other topics. There is only passing mention of dialysis and other renal replacement therapies. ✘ For the topics that are covered, they were generally correct, however there were a few inaccuracies: * Normal eGFR is widely defined as above 60, and this is the cutoff used on laboratory results. This app calls an eGFR of 60 being at 60% of normal with 100 being 100% of normal. * The app uses their own version of chronic kidney disease classification which is based on the KDIGO criteria. They should have just used the proper KDIGO criteria which is what patients will encounter. * The section on haematuria says it is caused by menstruation and tumours. There is actually a long list of causes. ✘ There is no mention of there being renal physician input and assessing the content, it appears unlikely. ✘ There were several typographic errors. ✘ The blood pressure section uses brand names for medicines rather than the generic names.

PROS

CONS

✔Interactive and largely accurate information about chronic kidney disease with a few quizzes.

✔ Has links to external resources (but these are Australian specific).

✘ There are several errors of omission. There is no information on statins, aspirin, anaemia, influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, and potassium among other topics. There is only passing mention of dialysis and other renal replacement therapies.

✘ For the topics that are covered, they were generally correct, however there were a few inaccuracies:
* Normal eGFR is widely defined as above 60, and this is the cutoff used on laboratory results. This app calls an eGFR of 60 being at 60% of normal with 100 being 100% of normal.
* The app uses their own version of chronic kidney disease classification which is based on the KDIGO criteria. They should have just used the proper KDIGO criteria which is what patients will encounter.
* The section on haematuria says it is caused by menstruation and tumours. There is actually a long list of causes.

✘ There is no mention of there being renal physician input and assessing the content, it appears unlikely.

✘ There were several typographic errors.

✘ The blood pressure section uses brand names for medicines rather than the generic names.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Jeremy Steinberg, GP, FRNZCGP
Date of review: March 2019
Platform: Android
Version: 1.1
Comments: This is a very average app with incomplete information on chronic kidney disease. There were a few inaccuracies but what is covered is generally correct. However there are several errors of omission, such as there being no information on statins, aspirin, anaemia, vaccinations, potassium and only passing mention of renal replacement therapies. There is also no mention of there being renal physician input. The linked resources may be of limited use to New Zealand users.
Safety concerns: No guidance regarding seeking early assessment if the person develops diarrhoea and vomiting.
New Zealand relevance: The information has been written for the Australian context with there being many Australia specific external links and phone numbers. Pharmacy kidney checks are not generally available in New Zealand. Talks about Aboriginal health, but not Maori and Pacific health. Australian brand names used for some drugs.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
How-to guides for health apps
NZ Health App Library
Consumer guide: how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide: how to choose a health app

Resources

Living with kidney disease(external link) Kidney Health Australia

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Factsheets – using health apps safely

How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Privacy and security tips for using health apps
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

My Kidneys, My Health app