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 Solutions for healthcare 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
Mobile health management 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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