Tuesday, June 30, 2020

RA Healthline: My Review of the App

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I was compensated by Healthline for sharing information and my honest opinion about the RA Healthline app. 

About a month ago, I wrote a post introducing the RA Healthline app. As an active person with rheumatoid arthritis, I'm grateful to have such a useful app in the palm of my hand. With all the resources available to me, RA Healthline is the one tool I will probably use the most. I joke that my phone is 'my brain', but I have so much information on it. I use health apps to track my runnning stats, order my medication, communicate with my medical providers, and work out. 

As part of my partnership with Healthline, I was asked to evaluate the RA Healthline app. I've been using the app since its introduction one month ago, both as an ambassador and as a person with RA. I used general assessment criteria found here and here to help guide my review.



Design
From the cover to the pages, the RA Healthline app is very appealing. The design is simple and appealing. The layout and graphics are clear and simple. 

Information/Content
The RA Healthline app is jam-packed with information relevant to rheumatoid arthritis. Under the Discover category, users can find articles that are expert-reviewed by a Medical Affairs team. I've personally used information I've found on Healthline to educate myself as well as prepare posts for this blog. I've never had issues with the information they provide as they have very reputable sources.

Ease of Use
When I initally started navigating the RA Healthline app, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to use! Along the bottom of the app are 5 tabs: Home, Groups, Members, Messages, and Discover. Clicking on one of the tabs opens up the category. I found it very easy move through the topics to find what I was looking for. 

Functionality
I have yet to experience any glitches with the app! As an ambassador I was tasked with leading 2 live chats. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised about how well the app performed while trying to communicate with other users. I had no issues. 

Security/Privacy
Users can provide as much or as little information about themselves as they want. As with all social media, this can be a good thing and a bad thing. People who want to remain anonymous can still participate in the app, however, anonymity can cause problems. When I initially started using the app, I received a private message from an anonymous male user who clearly didn't have RA. I contacted the team at Healthline and he was deleted from the app. 

The app has a Matching feature which can be helpful in connecting users that have similar interests. The Matching feature can be turned on or off. I turned it off after I was 'matched' with a male user who listed a topic of interest as 'navigating dating'. Guys, this is not a dating app. You can block individual users should you need to, which is a good feature in my opinion.

Overall Evaluation
Overall, I love the RA Healthline app and I'm not saying that because I am an ambassador for the app. When I was diagnosed with RA, I couldn't get enough information and this tool would have been great to have at the time. I love that you can find information on the fly, using your phone. The RA Healthline app would also be great for anyone who has ongoing issues and needed to connect with others experiencing something similar. Last year when I had that ongoing flare, I would have loved to connect with others who were experiencing the same thing. The app is very easy to navigate and find what you are looking for. 

With regards to my concerns about privacy and the app, I've had similar issues on other apps as well, particularly on Strava, which is a fitness tracking app. Fortunately, since I reported the issue, I haven't had further issues with icky trolls on RA Healthline. Hopefully the developers have done something to deter that. I wouldn't discourage anyone from participating in the app--I would just be cautious,as you would with anything public, about the information you share.


Do you want to learn more? You can download the app from the App Store or the Google Play Store. Or check out this article that shares more insights from all the ambassadors (including me!). 

Have you tried the new RA Healthline app? Sharing my review /via @oldrunningmom @healthline #runchat #running #curearthritis #rheumatoidarthritis

Have you tried any health apps? What are some features that you look for? RA warriors, have you tried RA Healthline? I'll be hosting another live chat on Thursday July 16 at 7 pm CST. We'll be talking about side effects of treatments. Come and join me!

I'm linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics and with the Runners' Roundup: DebbieDeborahJenRachelSandra, and Lisa

24 comments :

  1. If I had RA I would download that app in an instant!
    I imagine I would especially appreciate to get to know other people who are dealing with the same problems and challenges.
    There always has to A Creepy Guy who misuses the app - I'm glad you could solve the problem quickly!

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  2. This is fantastic. Looks it will be a valuable tool for you.

    We use Virgin Pulse for work. It makes you track healthy habits and offers quick a few valuable tips, Besides being motivating, we get $100 a quarter if you log in everyday....$400 a year for being healthy. Win win

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    1. My work has incentives like that for the employees. I don't have the insurance, so i don't get to participate!

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  3. With so many apps out there, I think that ease of use is key so I'm glad that was one of the highlights for you.
    I'm sorry that you ran into a creeper on the app, but glad it was resolved quickly.

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  4. Sounds like they are very responsive. The biggest issue for a lot of people with chronic illnesses is feeling so alone, so it's great to have a way to connect with people who face similar problems.

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  5. Ease of use is key! Sounds like a great app and I hope a big help to others out there w RA. I have not really used any apps like that one (yet) Great review

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  6. Looks like a great resource, and so convenient to use. Total win!

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  7. This sounds like a great app to have! It can be hard to find reputable information, especially when you're learning about something new. Glad they have been so responsive to any issues you had!

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  8. What they aren't using as a dating site!!! That's really funny.

    That being said, this sounds like an amazing app and I am so glad you have access to it. I'm sure it makes it so much easier to navigate your RA, and gives you a sense of control. <3

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  9. This sounds like such a great app for people with RA. I imagine the community aspect must feel so, um, comforting? The ability to connect with others who have the same interests is great, as is the informational aspect, especially for those who are newly diagnosed.

    About the random guy: Geez, is there anything these weirdos won't try to hit you up on? I get people all the time on Words with Friends, which is just so, weird!

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    1. The app is so good--i hated those trolls trying to hit on me. Ick. Otherwise, it has been a great experience.

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  10. I love how technology has transformed the world, especially when it comes to having health apps like this one that bring so much information and support to your finger tips. I also love that you are an ambassador and can share your lived experience with others who may just be starting their RA journeys.

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    1. Thank you so much Shaistho! I'm really grateful for this technology too!

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  11. This sounds like such a great app and I can imagine that being able to connect with others dealing with the challenges of RA is helpful. Great review Wendy!

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    1. Thank you Michelle! It's so nice to connect with other people with RA.

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  12. I've been following along your posts about this app. I am glad you found something that you like and is useful. I am glad you are sharing this with others so they can also get useful information about RA.

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