10 ways #mHealth is making an impact

‘Just because you can, doesn’t mean we should, nor that it will be adopted.’ I tell myself often when it comes to the intersection of technology and innovation.

This is the challenge for those who seek to use technology to compliment and not complicate workflow. Too often we’ve fallen for the ‘wow’ of technology, creating a tax of time, rather than providing efficiency.

I remember the first attempts at mobile in healthcare, a concept borrowed from the Auto Identification Data Collection (#AIDC) community, for inventory workflow solutions where we began to use an integrated bar code reader with a mobile computing application. It was raw and painful, but mobile was born for healthcare—what we now often refer to as #mHealth.

Both healthcare consumers and providers are benefiting from the rise of mHealth applications…finally. Social media and fitness mobile applications are teaching us what parsed workflows can do for optimal experiences, reframing our thoughts around portability and access. At a recent speaking engagement, I outlined my view on 10 ways #mHealth can and is making an impact. I’ll post 5 today, the other five later in the week.

1. Expanded Client/Provider Access to EHRs:

Mobile apps are giving both clients and providers mobile access to EHRs; secured in the cloud, EHRs can be accessed remotely through a client or care provider's smartphone or tablet. This expanded access gives care providers the point-of-care information they need when they need it.

Mobile EHRs are also updated in real-time, so the information presented is accurate and up-to-date. Using the cloud, EHRs can be securely shared internally or with coordinated care providers during the client's care journey. Clients will also appreciate having access to their latest care records and information.

2. Feedback, Consent Forms, Assessments, Personal Info Updates:

mHealth is changing what's possible by providing clients with superior access to important processes within their care journeys. For instance, online and through their mobile app, they can give valuable feedback, fill out consent forms and assessments, and easily update their personal information when needed.

Before mHealth, these tasks required clients to fill out paper forms in-office, or maybe through an online portal on their desktop computers; now, in addition, they can conveniently accomplish these tasks in the cloud through their mobile devices, giving providers real-time access to important health information.

3. Scheduling and Payment:

Everyone benefits when healthcare administrative functions are automated with precision through convenient methods. Front office staff can focus on other tasks instead of scheduling and answering inquiries, while clients can see what's available in real-time and choose what dates work for them. Automated reminders will help them remember upcoming visits, and the provider location and details will be readily accessible.

Syncing to the cloud, mHealth technology can integrate EHRs, care plans, medications, visits, insurance information, etc., and streamline payments and reimbursements. This includes syncing payment portals within client portals with up-to-date information. Easy access and functionality with mHealth mobile apps improves these integral tasks. 

4: Monitoring and Tracking Health:

mHealth technology, including wearables, mobile apps, VR, and smartwatches, help clients become more engaged in their health. These relatively inexpensive tools are being used effectively by people to access medical resources and to monitor and track their health in Social Services, Behavioral Health, Post-Acute, and Palliative Care situations; in senior living communities; and in skilled nursing facilities

For example, mHealth tools help clients with diabetes know when and what to eat, when to take their medications, the history of their recorded levels, and more; this is why "70% of mHealth practitioners rate diabetes highest for its market potential over the next 5 years." – according to an infographic by Kays Harbor found in a recent Health IT Outcomes article called: "mHealth: 40 Statistics to Know".

5: Virtual Visits:

Telemedicine is another way mHealth is improving care outcomes, as sophisticated mobile app technology, synced to cloud-based software solutions, works to connect clients with providers through virtual visits over their mobile devices.

An article found on Health Line called "The Best Telemedicine Apps of 2017", written by Valencia Higuera, highlights the type of mHealth technology that's being used effectively by clients and providers. For example, one of the mobile app solutions is called MDLive, which "...provides a fast and convenient way to communicate with a doctor and get medical advice for you or your child. These doctors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and most people connect with a doctor in under 15 minutes."

I'll post part two later in the week.