Mobile applications in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery

OBJECTIVES: To study the current selection of mobile applications (apps) relating to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OtoHNS). To conduct a review of the apps available in OtoHNS.

DATA SOURCES: App Store, Google Play, BlackBerry World, Windows Store.

METHODS: The Apple, Google, Windows, and Blackberry mobile app stores were searched for apps relating to OtoHNS. App information was analyzed based on in-store descriptions, and apps were downloaded and reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: There is a rapidly expanding collection of apps with a wide variety of functions available in OtoHNS. There are several high-quality apps for education and clinical use, which have been highlighted in our review. Mobile apps have the potential to become widely incorporated into OtoHNS, although there is a need for appropriate guidance from the specialty to ensure app quality and accuracy of content.