American Heart Association, American Medical Association, DHX Group and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society have formed a new nonprofit corporation, Xcertia.
Xcertia's goal is to develop guidelines to evaluate mobile health apps in an effort to ensure quality, safety and effectiveness. These guidelines will focus on clinical content, usability, security, interoperability and evidence of efficacy. Xcertia will not play role in certifying health apps; however, it will encourage developers to apply its principles and serve as a resource for clinicians and consumers.
"Our combined expertise, along with a diverse membership, will leverage the insights of clinicians, patients and industry experts to help improve patient care and increase access to data," said Xcertia's four founders in a statement.
Xcertia's membership and governing board will consist of academics, clinicians, consumers, developers and payers.