Mobile apps are having an obvious impact on all sorts of businesses, and the healthcare industry is no different. With technology being the driving force behind modern medicine’s most powerful diagnostic, imaging, and pharmaceutical advancements, it’s not surprising that mobile devices are opening up new possibilities for both patient and doctors. Patient care and education is being drastically streamlined via informational apps, while many private practices and clinics have begun to use specialized scheduling and messaging apps to keep in touch with patients. With that said, here are a few specific ways mobile apps are making healthcare more convenient and effective:
1. Powering New Medical Devices
An increasing number of medical devices are being designed to function alongside proprietary mobile apps. In fact, apps have become the main methods used to give users control over all sorts of devices, even outside of the medical field. Industry pioneers like DeviceLab are experiencing exponential growth correlating with an increased demand for medical device development. Some apps have even been approved by the FDA as safe and effective methods for managing diseases like diabetes. In 2016 alone, the FDA approved 36 different health apps that connect to medical devices.
2. Enhancing Scheduling and Communication
Many hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices have begun using mobile apps to handle appointment scheduling, reminder issuing, and other tasks related to patient communication. Many apps use push notifications, text messages, or automated voice recordings to notify a patient when an appointment is approaching. Furthermore, there are even apps that help patients remember when to take their medicine. By giving patients access to simple yet effective touchscreen interfaces mobile apps are promoting better patient-doctor relationships, simplifying treatment, and preventing unnecessary mishaps.
3. Facilitating Patient (and Doctor) Education
There are also an increasing number of medical apps designed to serve as comprehensive educational resources. In fact, some apps are so educational that they’re recommended as learning tools for medical students and doctors. One popular app called Daily Rounds even challenges doctors to solve clinical cases, helping them learn about uncommon and difficult-to-diagnose conditions with new content added daily. The conventional method of conducting a web search on your computer when researching a disease or medication is quickly being replaced by accurate and verified apps that are based on extensive medical databases. This approach prevents people from having to sift through search results when trying to determine which information is true or false.
Medical Device Development Opportunities Abound
As mobile apps continue to have a profound impact on our everyday lives, it’s inevitable that thousands more will be released in the next 5-10 years. The medical app and device market is practically limitless because there are so many possible uses and functions that have yet to be filled. With developers working diligently on solutions to help people manage their health on mobile devices, the current advancements are paving the way for the next generation of inventors and app designers who will face a whole new set of obstacles.