Smartphones Make Sense in Healthcare

            The technology of the Smartphone is allowing doctors to reach their patients in new ways and allowing patients to manage their healthcare in a more efficient manner.  Patients can receive messages on their smart phones to remind them to take their meds, check their blood sugar, etc.  One study found that the most positive finding where in the areas of weight loss, smoking cessation, and blood glucose monitoring (Michael S. Wolf, 2010).

            There are also many applications available for Smartphones to help patients with their health.  One is the seizure diary app.  This app allows patients to keep track of their seizures and their medication and allows them to easily transfer that data to their medical professional ("Seizure First Aid: Theres an App for That!", 2011).  There are general apps that remind patients to take their meds.  There are specialized apps that help patients with Asthma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, etc.  These apps allow patients to save prudent information to help physicians monitor their condition (Jane Sarasohn-Kahn, 2010). 

            Hospitals are also using this new technology to help patients better manage their health.  One example is that of St. John’s Mercy in Missouri.  The hospital is making health care more convenient for the patient by giving the patient access to information from their Smartphone or computer.  Patients can view test results, view and schedule appointments, get automated health care reminders, send and receive messages from providers, and request refills  (St. John’s Mercy Introduces MyMercy to Washington‐area Patients, 2010).

            This technology is moving the patient and the healthcare provider closer and closer together.  It is helping patients stay in compliance with the medications and health regimens and helping them to give accurate health information to providers.  

References

"Seizure First Aid: Theres an App for That!". (2011, July 7). Retrieved July 20, 2011, from

http://nationalseizuredisordersfoundation.org:

http://nationalseizuredisordersfoundation.org/seizure-first-aid-app/

Jane Sarasohn-Kahn, M. M. (2010, April). How Smartphones Are Changing Health Care for

Consumers and Providers. Retrieved July 20, 2011, from http://www.chcf.org:

http://www.chcf.org/~/media/Files/PDF/H/PDF%20HowSmartphonesChangingHealthCa

re.pdf

Michael S. Wolf, P. M. (2010). Use of Technology to Educate and Activate Patients and

Families. Retrieved July 17, 2011, from http://www.iom.edu:

http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Disease/Epilepsy/Panel%205%20W

olf.pdf

St. John’s Mercy Introduces MyMercy to Washington‐area Patients. (2010, July 30). Retrieved

July 2011, 2010, from http://www.stjohnsmercy.org:

http://www.stjohnsmercy.org/sjmh/0730_Mercy_Launches_MyMercy.pdf