Peking Union Health Application (PUHApp): Modern solution for effective epidemiological survey administration and health promotion

Abstract

Large scale population-based epidemiological health surveys require effective administration. The diverse phenotype data sets also lead to challenge to quick and visual feedback of health check-up results or meeting the need of self-health management. With the rapid popularization of smartphone use, the smartphone-based applications bring about new inspirations for traditional epidemiological studies to fulfill various health and research needs. In 2015, we designed a software named Peking Union Health Application (PUHApp), which can be used noncommercially via smartphone or modern desktop web browser. PUHApp has been used by over 50 000 individuals to obtain their e-health reports. Diverse health data have been linked to this application. The module of self-health assessment and disease risk prediction modules enable individuals to estimate their physical fitness conveniently. By describing the concepts and usage of PUHApp, we aim to demonstrate its key role as modern solution for effective epidemiological survey administration and health promotion, and to provide practical cases that could be helpful for other researchers.