Mobile Health: Providing Better Care

Shaping a New Future for Patient Care 

The convergence of technology and healthcare has created a new era of patient-centered care, leading to the rise of mobile health (mHealth) solutions. The widespread adaptation of smart devices has allowed unique access to health information, resources, and services right at the fingertips through the concept of mHealth. 

So what exactly is mHealth? It’s the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones, wearables, tablets, and other wireless technology to support public health and medical practices (TechTarget).

Through these devices, certain tools are utilized to improve health care and wellness. MHealth technology is commonly used for remote monitoring, sharing health resources, providing services, and assisting communication. 

Healthcare has the potential to be revolutionized through the use of these tools. Facilitation of mHealth technology can increase access to care, empower individuals, expand resources further, and improve health outcomes (Rowland et al.).

Different tools exist, such as wellness apps, chronic condition management platforms, telemedicine, and devices for remote monitoring (TechTarget). 

In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into mobile health providing better care by covering the benefits of mHealth and how it’s helping to provide patients with better care through enhanced communication, accessibility, and empowerment. 

Impact of Mobile Health on Patient Engagement 

Mobile health is revolutionizing the way patients engage with their care. Through mHealth technology, patients have enhanced communication with healthcare providers, improved accessibility to their information, resources, and services, and are becoming more empowered to actively participate in their care. 

Enhancing Communication 

With mHealth devices, clinicians are now able to incorporate text, call, or video chat into their practices to better communicate with patients and caregivers, regardless of geographical distance (Ventola). This can decrease the time a patient has to wait to get in touch with a clinician and increase access to health services for individuals living in remote areas. 

Additionally, clinical-focused software is helping clinicians to visually show patients their health so they are better able to understand trends or changes (Ventola).

This helps facilitate patient-centered care, as it allows patients to be more informed about their health and feel more empowered to actively participate in the decision-making of their care, which will impact their overall health.  

Platforms for mHealth interventions aid in breaking down barriers to communication, enabling patients to more confidently reach out to healthcare providers for support, guidance, and medical advice (Ghaddar et al.).

Barriers to communication may include lack of time, complexity of health terminology, geographical location, or other personal barriers. 

With these mHealth platforms, better communication is promoted, and as patient empowerment increases, new opportunities for improved direct communication are expected to continue to develop (Ventola). 

Improving Accessibility 

Through mHealth technology, such as online platforms, mobile apps, and wearable devices, patients have greater access to their own health information, health-related resources, and health services, regardless of location or time. 

Patients who use mHealth platforms can view comprehensive information relevant to their health, such as different types of medical conditions, signs and characteristics, treatment options, and preventative measures. This information can allow them to make more informed decisions regarding their health and care (Russ et al.). 

One of the biggest changes coming from mHealth is the ability to access health resources remotely. With telemedicine consultations and apps that help with appointment scheduling, patients can conveniently and virtually meet with healthcare professionals (Haleem et al.).

Services offered remotely are especially beneficial to people living in remote areas, people with limited mobility, and those facing other barriers to accessing traditional health care. 

Active Participation 

Patients are becoming empowered through mHealth to be more actively involved in their care. With new tools available, patients are gathering their health information in one place they have total access and control of.

This data helps them track their health, monitor vital signs, and manage health conditions in real time. Some tools being used by patients include health apps, wearable devices such as smartwatches, and remote monitoring tools. 

Individuals using mHealth technology for their wellness are improving their self-monitoring, disease prevention, and likelihood of detecting medical conditions early (Ventola).

Additionally, these tools can offer features such as a community for individuals to chat with others experiencing a similar health journey as them, educational resources tailored to a condition, and ways to improve self-management. 

Platforms with interactive features, mechanisms for feedback, and reminders are seeing improvements in health behavior change, adherence to treatment plans, and study participation (Walling et al.).

The empowerment individuals feel can help them take ownership of their health and motivate them to take an active role in managing their health outcomes.  

The Importance 

MHealth technology has the power to revolutionize traditional healthcare by enhancing communication between patients and health care providers, increasing access to health resources and services, and empowering individuals by giving them access to the tools needed to become an active participant in their health journey. 

Many innovative forms of mHealth technology exist today, and its integration within the current health system is slowly improving.

It’s important to advocate for mHealth technology, such as Zamplo Research, that focuses on helping to improve the patient experience through patient-centered care, and ultimately, improving the quality of life for individuals everywhere. 

Get started with a mHealth platform today.