How Mobile Technology Is Changing Health Care

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Technology moves at a lightning pace. Where once phones were for making calls and televisions were for watching programs, today it is difficult to tell one “smart” device from the next. As well, devices can integrate with each other to transfer data, synchronize updates and give you a medical checkup.

mobile-health-care

One of the most exciting new uses for “smart” technology (“smart” being a term often used to denote technology that is interactive and intuitive) is the ability to perform simple health diagnostics you used to have to visit the doctor for. Learn about how mobile technology especially is changing how health care is administered and monitored. There are some new apps (“apps” being an acronym for “applications”) you might want to add to your mobile device.

A Changed Doctor-Patient Relationship

One of the most significant and noticeable changes mobile technology is bringing to medicine is a change in the doctor-patient relationship structure. Since many patients use mobile devices daily, technology-savvy physicians offer patients a new level of daily health guidance for those patients who are willing to learn to use a few apps in between appointments. As well, for more advanced testing needs, doctors can now have their patients fitted with wireless monitoring devices that instantly transmit data back and forth, flagging troubling data for immediate attention. For students who are studying toward a career in health care, from medical school to earning their healthcare management certificate online, mastering mobile technology is now a required skill.

Major Categories

If you have a smart Android or Apple-based device such as a phone, tablet or laptop, you may want to take advantage of some of the easy, intuitive health care apps available. The selection of smart apps can be easily divided into several categories, such as the following:

  • Fitness and exercise
  • Relaxation
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Diagnostic tools
  • Health information tracking

Philip’s Vital Signs Camera

If you have an Apple device and 99 cents to spare, download this app that uses the device’s built-in camera to look at your skin, then measures your breathing and heart rate. Revisions to the app allow you to track longer-term trends for both. You can also use the device to measure breathing and heart rate for two people at once.

Simply Being Guided Meditation

Simply Being is a mobile app that allows you to use any available time you have — whether five minutes or 20 minutes — to relax into a soothing meditation. Available for Apple or Android for 99 cents, choose between voice-only, music and soothing nature sounds.

MyFitnessPal Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker

It is no secret obesity is a growing problem for people of all ages. This app is free from MyFitnessPal and it not only tells you how many calories you have burned, but it also helps you with menu-planning, workout schedules and more.

Medscape Mobile

Medscape developed a free mobile app (Apple and Android) for physicians and medical students that tracks thousands of different drugs, disease symptoms, helpful videos and photos. Medscape mobile is credited with nearly doing away with the need to keep cumbersome references manuals and allows physicians to treat patients without leaving their side to check a reference.

SkinVision

SkinVision addresses a health concern nearly every person faces: assessing their skin cancer risk. This app, available for Apple or Android devices, tracks rashes, moles, discolorations and normal skin to detect where trouble is brewing. The app also offers a daily UV (ultraviolet light) forecast to help users know when danger of UV light exposure is highest.

These are some of the best mobile apps available on the market for Android and Apple devices. As well, if you have a specific concern, need or goal, an Internet search can help you find the perfect apps for your situation.


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