Today, the mobile health consumer is one of the leading health benefits 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's how to use mHealth for better health.
Using mHealth is a way to manage chronic diseases
The number of people using mobile devices to manage chronic diseases is on the rise. Mobile health applications provide real-time data and insights that can aid health care providers in making decisions regarding patients' health. These applications are more readily available and designed to improve patient awareness and track health parameters. Examples of these applications include diet and physical activity monitoring apps, smoking cessation apps, and behavioral health apps.
A recent systematic review found that mHealth interventions can have a positive effect on chronic diseases. The review included four RCTs that evaluated the effectiveness of mHealth interventions for patients with diabetes, asthma, and chronic pain. Despite mixed results the authors acknowledged that mHealth applications can improve the patient-provider relationship and patient education as well as provide feedback on patient progress.
Using the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of RCTs involving mHealth interventions in adults. Our research question was developed using the PICOS approach (participants. compar., outcomes. and study design). In the PICOS approach, we mapped the variables we wanted to investigate and then developed our research question.
There are many important aspects to consider when evaluating mHealth interventions for chronic diseases management. For example, we should consider the type of mHealth applications used and the training methods used. For patients with asthma or chronic pain, mHealth applications with pre-set feedback may be beneficial. It is also important to think about the time frame for follow-ups.
mHealth as an alternative to in-person doctor appointments
Telemedicine, or mHealth, is an emerging model of health care delivery. It makes use of the internet and mobile phones to deliver remote patient care. This allows for lower costs and greater accessibility. Nearly eighty percent of Americans own a smartphone. A similar number of people worldwide have a smartphone. This new technology could prove valuable to the health care system, especially in underserved areas.
Although mHealth can be more convenient than in person visits, there are some limitations. For one, telemedicine encounters are shorter than in-person visits. Telemedicine encounters may last for less than one minute. However, the study is lacking information about why encounters can last less than a moment. The study doesn't even consider the impact of mHealth in hospitalization rates.
Telemedicine is also prone to malpractice. Telemedicine poses many malpractice risks. For example, doctors are unable assess the severity or condition of a patient's case if they cannot see them face to face. Furthermore, doctors cannot judge if a condition is curable based solely on an image or video.
Telemedicine is another option for those who do not have access to in-person medical care. Telemedicine and mHealth are available to rural residents without the benefit of doctors.