Today, mobile health consumers are one of the top health benefit platforms. Founded in 2012, their mission is to simplify the healthcare system and empower people to make informed decisions about their health. It is one reason why innovative companies choose to work with them. Here are some ways mHealth can improve your health.
Using mobile health as a tool for chronic disease management
The popularity of mobile devices in chronic disease management is increasing. Mobile health applications offer real-time insights and data that can be used to aid healthcare providers in making informed decisions regarding patients' care. These apps are available in increasing numbers and aim to improve patient awareness, track their health parameters, promote self-management, and increase patient engagement. Examples of these applications include diet and physical activity monitoring apps, smoking cessation apps, and behavioral health apps.
A systematic review has found that mHealth interventions have a positive impact on chronic diseases. Four RCTs were included in the review that assessed the effectiveness of mHealth interventions on patients with chronic pain, diabetes, asthma and other chronic diseases. Although the results were mixed, the authors noted that mHealth apps can improve the patient-provider relationship, increase patient education, and improve feedback on patient progress.
Utilizing the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted of RCTs in which mHealth interventions were included in adult care. We developed our research question by using the PICOS (participants, comparisons, outcomes, and study design) approach. We developed our research question using the PICOS technique.
There are many important aspects to consider when evaluating mHealth interventions for chronic diseases management. It is important to consider both the type and method of mHealth application used. For patients with asthma or chronic pain, mHealth applications with pre-set feedback may be beneficial. Also, it is important to consider how long the follow-ups will be after the intervention.
mHealth to replace in-person doctor visits
Telemedicine (or mHealth) is a rapidly growing model of health care delivery. It leverages the power, speed and convenience of the internet and mobile devices for remote patient care. Nearly eighty per cent of U.S. adults currently own a Smartphone, and the global average is around the same. This technology is gaining popularity and could be an asset to the health system, especially in rural areas.
Although mHealth can be more convenient than in person visits, there are some limitations. One is that telemedicine encounters can be shorter than in person visits. Telemedicine encounters may last for less than one minute. However, the study doesn't provide any information on why encounters last less time than a minute. The study also does not examine the impact of mHealth upon hospitalization rates
Telemedicine can also pose malpractice risks. Doctors cannot evaluate the severity of a patient’s illness if they are unable to see them face-to face. A video or image can't be used to determine if a patient is healed.
Telemedicine is an option if in person health care is unavailable. Rural residents living in rural areas that don't have doctors can use mHealth or telecommedicine.