Going Mobile: Leading Patients And Providers To MHealth

[Commentary] Mobile health technology (mHealth) offers exciting opportunities to access and administer healthcare on the go. Patients and providers alike can benefit from the explosion of mobile devices and tools being developed to improve access, increase monitoring and lower costs. But are smartphones and tablets actually being used for healthcare? How can we encourage users to do so?

The adoption of mobile devices—smartphones and electronic tablets—is proceeding at an astounding pace. In 2011, more smartphones were purchased worldwide than computers, desktops and laptops combined (Canalysis 2012). According to a 2012 Pew Internet survey, roughly half of the adult population in the U.S. owns a smartphone. The healthcare sector has followed suit, developing innovative ways to use mobile health technology for patients and healthcare providers alike. According to a recent survey conducted by our recruitment unit, 91% of physicians own mobile devices, but only 44% use them just occasionally to communicate with patients. Furthermore, less than 15% of patients use their smartphone or tablet for healthcare purposes.

[Weisman is EVP and general manager of Blue Chip Healthcare Marketing, a division of Blue Chip Marketing Worldwide]