The goal of this Framework is to encourage the use and development of high quality, safe, and effective digital health apps. The development of this first version reflects several key principles, including:
- Allowing only objective criteria to be used to ensure consistency of interpretation across different assessors
- Ensuring the use of only publicly available information (or information that should be made publicly available) to enable the framework to be used independently of app owners.
- Domains such as Technical Security that require app developer involvement are included as additional layers within the Framework.
- Considering differing levels and standards of review depending upon the functionality of an app, to ensure that the criteria used in the Framework are proportionate to the risk posed,
- Utilizing where relevant already existing and accepted standards, i.e. in Data Privacy or Usability and Accessibility, and aligning with emerging international standards and criteria