How can m-health apps improve patient engagement and outcomes?

1 What is patient engagement?

Patient engagement is the degree to which patients are involved in their own health and care decisions, and how they communicate and collaborate with their providers. It is a key factor for improving quality, safety, and satisfaction in healthcare, as well as reducing costs and risks. Patient engagement can be influenced by many factors, such as motivation, education, trust, access, and technology.

2 How can m-health apps enhance patient engagement?

M-health apps can enhance patient engagement by providing convenient, personalized, and interactive ways to access health information and services. For instance, these apps can assist patients in monitoring their vital signs, symptoms, and behaviors to share with providers or caregivers. Additionally, they can help patients learn more about their conditions and treatments, manage medications and appointments, participate in online communities and support groups, as well as engage in health promotion and wellness activities. Furthermore, m-health apps can offer reminders and alerts to help patients stay on track with their health goals.

3 What are the benefits of m-health apps for patient outcomes?

M-health apps can have a positive impact on patient outcomes by promoting self-care, adherence, and empowerment. They can help patients build their health literacy, become more aware and confident in their own decisions, and follow their care plans correctly. Additionally, these apps can help patients reach their health goals, track their progress, and reduce the need for hospital visits or readmissions. Ultimately, m-health apps can improve the quality of life, well-being, and satisfaction of those who use them.

4 What are the challenges of m-health apps for patient engagement?

M-health apps can face various barriers and limitations when it comes to patient engagement. These include a lack of evidence, regulation, and quality assurance which may affect safety, reliability, and effectiveness. Additionally, there may be a lack of integration, interoperability, and compatibility with existing health systems, limiting usability, functionality, and value. Furthermore, there may be a lack of privacy, security, and consent for the collection, storage, and sharing of personal health data which raises ethical and legal concerns. Moreover, there may be a lack of accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity for some populations such as low-income or disabled patients who may face digital divide or literacy issues. Finally, there may be a lack of engagement, motivation, and retention for some users who may experience app fatigue or frustration.

5 How can m-health apps be improved for patient engagement?

M-health apps can be improved for patient engagement by following best practices and recommendations, such as involving stakeholders in the design and development process, applying user-centered and evidence-based principles, adopting standards, guidelines, and frameworks, integrating with existing health systems and platforms, protecting privacy and consent of personal health data, providing access to diverse populations, and engaging users. These steps will ensure m-health apps are easy to use, understand, and trust; safe, effective, and compliant; compatible, interoperable, and valuable; ethical and legal; equitable and fair; enjoyable, meaningful, and sustainable.

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?