mHealth stands for the provision of health-related services using mobile communication technology. As 2014 shifts into the mainstream of mobile video conferencing , healthcare providers will need to recognize and accept patient-provided data in a large-scale way.
Five areas to watch for when examining ways to manage telehealth and mobile data?
Bigger networks, better standards
As mHealth and telehealth become more conventional, service providers will need to boost the infrastructure behind these new tools. Cell Phone carriers are also getting into the game by using their massive and trusted networks to bring mobile patient commitment and data to the big leagues.
Electronic Health Records integration and analytics
With all the new data hovering back and forth, providers will need to find ways to organize and assess the input in an effective way.The next few years will likely see a development of EHR-integrated mHealth applications as patient expectations grow and physicians embrace making use of the data.
Tools for physicians to improve decision making
The gathering and analysis of these new data sets will conduct development and use of new tools for doctors to make healthier and cheaper decisions. Referring peers through telehealth and video conferencing solutions have been proven to decrease damaging medical errors among pediatric patients and advance stroke care. mHealth has long been excelling on public health enhancement programs in developing nations, and providing physicians in rural areas with reference tools that can significantly affect the quality of care delivered. As these efforts succeed, more physicians will depend on their smartphones for daily decision support and communication.
Out of the office and into the home
Healthcare doesn’t just take place within the walls of a hospital or doctor’s offices. For many patients, staying healthy is a constant battle that requires continuous monitoring and daily care. Physicians are turning to telemedicine devices and mobile apps to help keep tabs on high risk cases, since they can’t dedicate 24 hours a day to one single patient.
Incentives for ongoing wellness
To provide motivation for self-management, some app developers are turning to rewards and competitions. To save money on insurance premiums and encourage healthier employees, many companies are offering contests and quizzes to help employees stop smoking, lose weight, or just be more aware of their health and wellbeing.
As mHealth continues its impressive rise in popularity, it will likely manifest itself through positive rewards that have real clinical value. A little fun and a lot of problem solving is the guarantee of increasing the mHealth industry and a major factor in engaging patients and providers in mobile health management in the future.
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