We live in an era of mobile technology. Everything we need to know, everything we want to purchase or browse or better understand is carried with us in our pockets. Whether bank account summaries, cinema listings, Facebook updates, or tips on how to turn that old, unwanted pair of jeans into a set of placemats, our phones and tablets carry with them every bit of information we deem pertinent to our daily lives. As we, as a culture, continue to delve deeper into the ever-encompassing world of mobile technology, so do the suppliers of our food and clothing and entertainment have to move along with us, adapting their approach to supplying products and services to match our demand for instant consumption.
It makes sense that the world of healthcare would inevitably evolve to meet these same needs. And now, with the advent of mobile apps – such as Red Cross’ First Aid, MyChart, and Doctor on Demand, patients are given the same access to their healthcare services that they have grown accustomed to in all other aspects of their lives.
The merits of healthcare apps
In regard to both patients and healthcare professionals, mobile apps can be great tools for sharing test results, monitoring immunizations and medications, or simply keeping track of upcoming appointments. Patients are given the opportunity to create their own schedules, refill prescriptions and track order status, view past medical history and monitor their own data, and reach out to entire communities of doctors, all from the comfort of their personal smart devices, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, WIFI signal pending.
However, not all medical professionals agree on the merits of healthcare apps, showing concern that patients may become overly reliant on this technology and more inclined to perform self-diagnoses.
Advantages and disadvantages
When evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of mobile healthcare apps, it’s important to remember that this is relatively new technology and, as was the case with smartphones, social media, and (believe it or not) the Internet itself, new technology has historically been ushered in amidst both praise and criticism. But no matter where you stand on the issue, one thing is certain: healthcare apps are not going anywhere, and neither is our demand for immediacy, especially as it pertains to our well-being.
Mobile apps are simple, inexpensive, and empowering. They are user-friendly, allow round-the-clock access to medical professionals, and help lower costs by reducing hospital visits and doctor appointments. However, mobile apps may present hazards. If used as a replacement for in-office visits and doctor exams as opposed to a supplement in addition to regular services, mobile apps can prove disruptive, challenging doctors’ advice with false information and leading patients down a path that will ultimately cause them further complications.
In order to ensure that mobile apps are an effective adjunct to patient treatment, we must not herald them as cure-alls, or as replacements for doctors. However, if used wisely and held to a standard becoming of our wellness and safety, then mobile apps can make dramatic improvements in how we approach healthcare.