In a world where smartphones have become an extension of ourselves, imagine a future where these devices not only connect us to the world but also to our health. Welcome to the groundbreaking realm of mHealth, where mobile technology intertwines with healthcare, revolutionizing the way we access, monitor, and manage our well-being. From remote patient monitoring to personalized health education, this powerful tool is essential to the pursuit of optimal health.
So, get ready to unlock the potential of mHealth and witness a new era of healthcare at your fingertips.
What Is mHealth and How Does It Work?
Emerging technological advancements have had a captivating impact on the healthcare industry. Mobile health has revolutionized health technologies in recent years with its remarkable applications.
mHealth, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to all medical and public health apps that can be used on mobile devices, including smartphones, patient monitoring devices, personal digital assistants, and other wireless gadgets.
Numerous health apps such as Apple Health App can seamlessly connect with a patient’s electronic health records, allowing users to keep health data handy on their iPad or iPhone.
How are the Benefits of mHealth Changing Digital Healthcare?
Mobile health apps offer various benefits including raising awareness, diagnostic support, professional training, remote data collection, telehealth, disease tracking, and chronic disease management, while also reducing healthcare costs and time. Some of the notable benefits provided by mHealth apps are discussed hereunder:
- Patients can access health education, treatment, and commitment through phone calls, voicemails, and texts, as well as send and receive voicemails and texts.
- Healthcare professionals can access the most current clinical guidelines, collaborate with colleagues, and interact with patients.
- The SMS alarm system has proven to be more effective in influencing behavior than traditional advertising methods, providing positive outcomes.
- It enables remote data collection, reducing health information gaps in developing countries, and enabling healthcare professionals to evaluate public health initiatives’ effectiveness and allocate resources correctly.
- mHealth applications enhance drug adherence, manage chronic conditions, and improve access to quality healthcare.
Emerging Trends: How mHealth is Transforming Healthcare
Here are the top 5 trends in mobile health that are making healthcare more convenient and transparent:
1. Remote Health Monitoring
The mHealth system uses agile technologies to monitor blood glucose levels, pulse meters, oxygen levels, blood pressure, heart rates, weight management, and patient health remotely. It also allows for doctor analysis and remote health management.
2. Text and Video Communication
The pandemic has facilitated the use of virtual video consultations, text messaging, and mHealth sensors for patients, enabling them to monitor vital signs, schedule appointments, and track their progress, all while maintaining app security and a doctor database.
3. AI in Health Apps
The incorporation of AI in mobile health technology can enhance clinical decision-making by processing extensive data, improving care diagnosis and outcomes, and making them faster, more accurate, and cheaper.
One noteworthy aspect of this AI application is its ability to gather essential health-related information by verbal interaction with patients. Among the top AI applications in 2023 are Sense.ly, WebMD, Youper, Binah.ai, and Happify.
4. Chatbots
Medical chatbots are a novel trend designed to help experts. Its incorporation into the mHealth system is even more convenient and user-friendly for patients. The medical chatbots can send reminders to patients to take medicines. They can even help patients by suggesting and providing references for specific drugs.
5. Self-monitoring Apps
Self-monitoring apps are predicted to grow significantly in the coming years, potentially aiding patients in detecting disease symptoms and, in some cases, paired with wearable devices.
The Impact of mHealth
mHealth is drastically transforming our approach to healthcare, with applications such as MyChart or the M Health Fairview app designed and developed by Epic Inc. gaining immense popularity in 2023 among health enthusiasts.
The M Health Fairview app utilizes the MyChart platform; thus, it is also called MyChart. This patient portal serves as a comprehensive resource, offering patients access to their medical records and a variety of health-related services.
The M Health Fairview application offers a secure system for patients to access their electronic health records (EHR) and access services like scheduling appointments, medical bill payments, test results checking, and email communication with healthcare providers, enhancing the overall healthcare experience.
Wrapping it Up
As the world becomes increasingly connected and technology continues to advance at an astonishing pace, one thing is clear: mHealth is not just a fleeting trend but a transformative force that is reshaping the future of healthcare. With the power of mobile devices and wireless technology, we can monitor our health, access information, and connect with healthcare professionals like never before.
So, whether you’re a patient seeking better care or a healthcare provider looking to enhance outcomes, mHealth is the solution to promoting your overall well-being. The future of healthcare is literally in the palm of your hand!