We have mobile applications for everything, from regular communication
to grocery shopping. And if you didn’t know this already, we have apps for
healthcare too- mHealth applications.
mHealth technology makes healthcare accessible, even in remote
locations. Patients are no longer deprived of quality care, and they do not
need to wait in long queues for appointments or bill payments. mHealth
solutions have simplified healthcare processes and care delivery. For these
reasons, the global market for mHealth apps will reach $236 billion by 2026.
The mHealth sector is growing exponentially, with an annual growth rate of
about 45%.
Pros and Cons of mhealth technology :
mHealth is becoming popular with more and more healthcare institutions
integrating it for enhanced patient satisfaction. There is no doubt that a mobile healthcare solutions offers several advantages, but like any technology, it has
its shortcomings. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of
mHealth solutions.
Pro: There is a mHealth app for various care needs :
Several mobile health app developers are coming up to meet the
increasing demand among the population. You can find different mHealth apps for
different care needs, from fitness tracker apps to yoga, nutrition, mental
wellness, and so on. Some reports indicate that more than 300,000 mobile health
apps are available today, offering flexibility and choice to the user.s
Con: Quantity may not mean quality :
Users can find thousands of apps in the mHealth market, but that doesn’t
mean all are helpful. Some apps may do little to assist with care delivery and
patient engagement. mHealth providers may remain unaware of whether their
application served useful to the audience.
Pro: mHealth is convenient :
It allows more users to monitor and manage their health conditions and
supports patient-provider communication. Many mHealth apps can be downloaded
for free or at less cost. These apps enable users to schedule appointments
easily or order/reorder prescription medications, among many features.
Additionally, patients can also access their health data in real-time or view
consultation notes.
Con: mHealth apps may not be regulated or FDA-approved :
As per a study in the Journal of the American Society of Hypertension,
barely 3% of the top 107 mobile health apps could be found using the keywords
hypertension and high blood pressure. Apparently, none of these apps were
approved by the FDA, despite 14% claiming to offer blood pressure measurement.
This emphasizes the need for stricter regulation over mHealth apps.
Pro: mHealth apps engage consumers :
A mobile healthcare applications is known to be user-friendly and easy
to operate from any smart device. It is fairly straightforward to download and
utilize, which makes it popular among users. Mobile health apps can elevate
patient engagement because of their features and convenient health access.
mHealth apps foster better patient-provider communication, another reason why
patients are likely to utilize such applications.
Conclusion :
Mhealth is
gaining importance in the healthcare industry and is increasingly integrated to
improve patient care. With various benefits of mhealth apps, some disadvantages
need to be considered. This comprehensive list can make you aware of the pros
as well as the cons of mHealth solutions.
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