Mobile phone usage is tremendously increasing day by day. So as a purpose of it, every industry has been reinventing their way of functioning to accommodate the changes mobility has brought in. When people start experiencing new things they become addictive to innovative technology. This transition has also affected healthcare industry on a massive scale.
Current day Health Care system faces many problems such as shortage of nurses, a fewer number of physicians and not to forget about implications of MACRA new physician payment method. It is becoming increasingly tough to operate without relying on technology.
Increase in demand has maximized the need for innovation around mHealth. It is an incredible advancement showing enormous positive results, removing the barriers of the olden days.
Digital transformation in healthcare is great, but the question is “Does technology foster customer to engage in their own health?”
Today, people have numerous options and are confused to pick out one healthcare app on the market. As on date, there are thousands of medical apps listed in mHealth space, which can be accessed from anywhere.
It is beyond certainty that mobile health will help improve care delivery and impact patient outcomes in the near future with a more reliable, and near to real-time data which makes it efficient. However, there’s a security risk attached to it while managing data from different applications.
Data integration is challenging, especially when there is more than one data source. It should be the providers call to choose an optimum health application, and induce patients to use it instead of letting patient choosing according to their choice and leaving compatibility a matter of concern.
Surveys say physicians are reluctant to recommend the use of health applications to their patients. Adapting quick changes is not an easy step for doctors.
Of course, it is neither been easy for patients. Following are some of the benefits of mHealth:
1. Patient engagement
Mobile apps are user-friendly and come free of cost but success ratio to engage patient is relatively less. People have easy access to health tools via smartphones but are not willing to learn to make full use of it.
Progress is possible only when patients show real interest in improving their health. Unless patient’s show dedication there will not be any positive results, and intervention of health applications may not yield desired results.
2. Better Clinical Support
Clinical Decision Support process becomes easier after the integration of EMR with mobile technology. Traditional system has more complexity in the integrated workflow of clinicians. Now, with the use of apps, clinicians can recommend drugs, diagnose and treat patients, and also be aware of current practice guidelines, which reduces their burden of work.
3. Better Communication
Though patients and doctors have face-to-face interactions, problems are not communicated effectively. Improper and non-scientific communication of symptoms makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the disease.
Also, people with one or more chronic diseases face difficulties in meeting their doctor’s post-discharge. With the help of wearable synced with mHealth apps, doctors can track progress, and also deliver appropriate guidance to ensure they are healthy.
4. Improved Practice Workflow
Doctors can view their patient record instantly anytime, anywhere, and can send the right patient data to specialist during referral process.
Clinically integrated EHR helps a physician to effectively use it in and out of the network. Physician practice workflow becomes convenient and efficient with technology enhancement.
5. Access to Information
Patients can access their health information from portal through mobile apps, and view their record online, download or transfer. Providers can communicate with patients electronically to remind about their meetings with the physician, prescription refill etc.
6. Enhanced Care
Mobile health helps in monitoring patients after they get discharged.
Patient’s 30 days post discharge is the critical time of recovery, and which can avoid possible readmission. Patient health app opens doors to insightful information which can be used to enhance care quality significantly.
Interestingly, mHealth is a fortune that healthcare industry hasn’t utilized to fullest of its potentials.
