In this guide, we examine how the increasing use of mobile devices in the healthcare sector is having a positive effect on the patient experience.
These days, many health professionals are employing mobile devices as part of their daily routine. The use of these mobile health (usually shortened to mHealth) technologies enables medical professionals to deliver a higher standard of care to their patients.
mHealth Defined
“mHealth” is a term that describes the use of mobile devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets, phablets) in medical care. mHealth technologies can provide a wide range of services by leveraging certain smartphone functionalities such as SMS messaging, applications, web browsing, Bluetooth connectivity plus much more.
The Rise of the mHealthMarket
Market Research Engine report that the mobile health industry will reach a worldwide value in excess of $60 billion this year. This phenomenal growth is powered by ongoing innovations and ever-growing global connectivity. As such, mHealth tech has now become an essential tool for patients and professionals alike.
What are the Benefits of mHealth?
Many health organisations are using mHealth technology to run public information campaigns. These campaigns inform patients about actions they can take to stay healthy. mHealth technologies can be used to roll out preventative measures that can help to free up valuable hospital resources and to enable medical professionals to give urgent patients the attention they need.
mHealth facilitates the digitisation of paper-based systems. Not only does digitisation free up physical space and benefit the environment, but it also greatly streamlines administrative processes and boost efficiency. Data from a Harris Poll backs this up, revealing that 74% of hospitals that use mobile devices to gather patient information are more efficient than facilities that don’t.
How Are Healthcare Professionals Using Mobile Technology?
80% of healthcare professionals say that they use mobile devices as part of their daily work. Mobile devices can be used to complete a wide range of tasks including:
- Information management
- Time management
- Health record maintenance
- Communications
- Reference
- Clinical decision-making
- Patient monitoring
- Medical education & training
Find Out More
If you are curious to learn more about the use of mobile devices in healthcare, then you should check out the info graphic below from Home Healthcare Adaptations. This interesting guide offers a handy overview of the topic and includes information on a range of subjects such as:
- Facts and figures relating to the rise of mHealth
- A summary of the various ways in which mobile devices are used in the delivery of healthcare
- A list of the most frequently-used medical apps
- An outline of the benefits and challenges linked with the use of mHealth technology
Take a look at the infographic below to discover more about the use of mobile devices in healthcare.
How Are Patients Using Mobile Technology?
Mobile devices and apps allow patients to become more active in looking after their health. This fosters better communication with healthcare professionals and increased awareness of their health in general. Some examples of how patients use mobile devices include:
- Health trackers
- Medication reminders
- Condition education and management
- Communicate with their doctor
- Access medical helplines
- Check symptoms
