The study by Pereyra et al. [11] presents an innovative educational mobile application (app), termed “JEDII”™ as an initial attempt to improve the quality of endoscopic reporting quality in IBD. The introduction of the educational mobile app demonstrates promising advancements in improving IBD endoscopic reporting. Indeed, there are many strengths of an educational mobile app, in terms of accessibility, visual learning, interactivity, progress tracking, and personalization. Moreover, by juxtaposing graphical aids with intuitive algorithms, the app targets entrenched barriers that improve not only the quality of reports but also the overall management of patients with IBD. The impact is unequivocally positive, leading to a substantial surge in the integration of scoring systems and recommended reporting components. Notably, this increase is particularly pronounced in CD, where morphologic complexity challenges reporting accuracy.

Nevertheless, caution is warranted in interpreting the results of this study. The single-center retrospective design may introduce selection bias, complicating the extrapolation of its conclusions. Understanding the degree of app integration and adherence among endoscopists is essential due to potential opacity, necessitating thorough verification and validation of app use. Furthermore, the long-term sustainability of the results cannot be taken for granted, as the benefits of training may diminish over time.

In general, educational apps provide broad access for young physicians and students, especially for visual content such as endoscopic images. As the processing power and image resolution of mobile devices continues to improve, educational apps, could incorporate videos, high-resolution images, interactive 3D models, and even live streaming of endoscopic procedures for educational purposes, providing a comprehensive understanding of IBD-related endoscopy. Meanwhile, considering the recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, systems providing real-time grading and reporting of mucosal pathology might soon be available [5]. These could bridge assessment and training tools, improve skills, and help standardize assessments, similar to what is happening with AI-based polyp detection systems [12].

Despite the potential benefits, challenges exist (Fig. 1). Ensuring accurate, up-to-date content and compatibility across devices is essential. Indeed, the accuracy and quality of learning content, especially images, must be ensured. Inaccurate or outdated information can be detrimental. Indeed, the dynamic nature of mobile health technologies, which often integrate hardware components (such as endoscopic images) with software functionalities (such as algorithms for managing IBD), should undergo frequent updates. Moreover, this dynamism necessitates a distinct regulatory approach. In the United States the FDA, for instance, has introduced the concept of "software as a medical device" and is advocating for its regulation through the Digital Health Software Precertification Program [13].

The main strengths and weaknesses of an educational mobile app

Therefore, while such apps hold immense promise, potential controversies underscore the need for a cautious and comprehensive approach to their integration. Embracing technology must be balanced with respecting the expertise of all clinicians, fostering a harmonious coexistence of innovation and traditional clinical acumen.