What are the biggest challenges for mobile health and wellness?

2 Quality and reliability

Another challenge for mHealth is the quality and reliability of the apps and devices that are used to deliver health and wellness services. Mobile devices and applications can vary in their functionality, accuracy, usability, and compatibility, which can affect the quality and reliability of the mHealth outcomes. For example, some apps may not be based on scientific evidence, some devices may not be calibrated or validated, and some users may not follow the instructions or feedback correctly. To ensure the quality and reliability of mHealth, users and providers need to evaluate the apps and devices they use, such as by checking the ratings, reviews, certifications, and endorsements, as well as by consulting with their health professionals. Moreover, mHealth developers and regulators need to establish and enforce quality and reliability criteria, such as by using testing, verification, and certification methods.

3 Accessibility and equity

A third challenge for mHealth is the accessibility and equity of the apps and devices that are used to provide health and wellness services. Mobile devices and applications can have different requirements, costs, and availability, which can affect the accessibility and equity of the mHealth services. For instance, some apps may require a high-speed internet connection, some devices may be expensive or incompatible, and some users may face barriers such as language, literacy, or disability. To improve the accessibility and equity of mHealth, users and providers need to consider the needs, preferences, and capabilities of the diverse mHealth population, such as by using inclusive design, user feedback, and cultural competence. Furthermore, mHealth developers and regulators need to promote and support the accessibility and equity of mHealth, such as by using subsidies, incentives, and policies.

4 Integration and coordination

A fourth challenge for mHealth is the integration and coordination of the apps and devices that are used to enhance health and wellness services. Mobile devices and applications can operate in isolation or in conjunction with other health systems, which can affect the integration and coordination of the mHealth services. For example, some apps may not communicate or synchronize with other apps, devices, or health records, some devices may not be compatible or interoperable with other systems, and some users may not share or update their mHealth data with their health professionals. To facilitate the integration and coordination of mHealth, users and providers need to adopt and use common standards, protocols, and platforms, such as by using application programming interfaces (APIs), cloud computing, and blockchain. Additionally, mHealth developers and regulators need to foster and enable the integration and coordination of mHealth, such as by using interoperability, harmonization, and collaboration frameworks.

5 Evaluation and improvement

A fifth challenge for mHealth is the evaluation and improvement of the apps and devices that are used to improve health and wellness services. Mobile devices and applications can generate and use large amounts of data, which can be used to evaluate and improve the mHealth services. However, mobile devices and applications can also pose challenges for the evaluation and improvement of mHealth, such as data quality, validity, analysis, and feedback. To enable the evaluation and improvement of mHealth, users and providers need to collect and use mHealth data in a meaningful and ethical way, such as by using data analytics, artificial intelligence, and user engagement. Likewise, mHealth developers and regulators need to support and encourage the evaluation and improvement of mHealth, such as by using research, innovation, and feedback mechanisms.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?