Mobile technologies are changing the way healthcare is consumed and delivered in America, paving the way for greater consumer engagement, reduced costs and better patient outcomes. Driving the trend is the growing prevalence of smartphones and tablets, which have empowered consumers like never before to take a greater stake in their health.
While a slim majority of Americans (53%) in a national survey say they do not currently use consumer electronics to access important healthcare information, options, and services, more than 60% of respondents anticipate increasing their use of consumer technology for these purposes during the next year.
The results of the survey, conducted by ORC International on behalf of UnitedHealthcare, suggest the public is starting to realize how technology and consumer electronics can help them to learn more about health, encouraging them to take better control of their individual wellness and improve how they navigate the healthcare system.
So what advances in mobile technologies are already beginning to change the healthcare system?
- Health system navigation: Some of the most useful mobile applications related to health are those that enable people to more effectively navigate the healthcare system. For instance, new apps allow people to do everything from check insurance claims and account balances, locate nearby urgent-care facilities and emergency rooms, and quickly connect to their health plans. These apps also enable people to access an experienced registered nurse 24/7 for advice regarding any kind of medical question.
- Treatment cost estimators: Other new tools and online systems enable people to comparison-shop for healthcare services, based on cost and quality criteria. Patients historically didn't know how much their medical care actually costs, with the bill often arriving months after treatment. These tools allow for a kind of healthcare retail shopping experience, enabling consumers to create side-by-side quality comparisons for specific treatments at specific facilities, allowing people to place as much emphasis on quality as they do on price.
- Health achievement: Smartphones are also allowing consumers to more easily track, evaluate and compare their efforts to exercise more, improve their diets, and promote overall wellness. These apps feature coaching, relevant and personalized content, and connections to social networks. Some tools even let people create their own health challenges with family, friends and coworkers to help achieve health and fitness goals.
These devices can incorporate wireless trackers that include accelerometers to more accurately count how many steps a user takes and an altimeter to track stairs climbed. They also calculate how many calories are burned. The information can even be uploaded wirelessly to the individual's personal health record, enabling people to track their progress and share the results with their physicians.
- Chronic conditions: Other new tools are also helping people more effectively track and monitor their chronic conditions. For example, new technologies now enable people with diabetes to use their mobile phones to monitor their blood glucose levels. By automatically uploading these readings to an online portal and to healthcare providers, diabetics can accurately and conveniently manage their condition.
