Mobile healthcare technology has caught the fancy of many healthcare industry observers – and they are dreaming big, while also giving some thought to the challenges ahead.
For example, Darell M. West, a researcher at the Brookings Institute, a non-profit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C., envisions a new model where people would monitor their own weight, blood pressure, pulse and sugar levels and send results via mobile devices to healthcare providers. The health care professionals would then respond back to the patients via e-mail—offering their advice and guidance. The model would cut costs by reducing providers’ responsibility for routine costs and record-keeping.
With the aid of the Internet, electronic medical records, cell phones, and personalized healthcare, the patient is in charge,” West writes in his report, Customer-Driven Medicine: How to Create a New Health Care System.
Certainly, the idea of using wireless technology to this extent is an intriguing idea for many. The Wall Street Journal recently published a feature on tracking vital signs using smartphone applications: “Your iPhone Just Called: Your Blood Sugar is High.” The article heralds a similar vision where mobile devices can help consumers take more control over their own care – thereby transforming how care is delivered. And, mobile health monitoring is among the top 10 consumer mobile applications for 2012 identified by Gartner as likely to have an impact on consumers and industry players.
Although buy-in to the vision appears strong, many challenges need to be met before these mobile medical devices can transform health care delivery.
West, who writes that the vision is “within our grasp,” points out that a few things have to happen before it becomes a reality:
• Insurance companies need to provide reimbursement that acknowledges care delivered through mobile technologies.
• Physicians need to be financially rewarded for positive patient outcomes.
• Patients need to be financially rewarded for preventive healthcare, good diet and exercise.
With the potential and challenges clearly outlined, one looming question remains: Just how quickly can the industry turn mobile healthcare technology dreams into everyday reality?
John McCormack participates in HealthcareGoesMobile.com as a community correspondent through Intel's paid sponsorship with SourceMedia.
