I hear people ask the question frequently, “Why can’t I see my doctor at home?” It’s a loaded question, but at the heart of it, you can hear the growing thunder of health care consumer demand for easier access to health care.
The cell phone is almost ubiquitous in the United States. As of last year, 58% of American Adults had a smartphone (http://tinyurl.com/lzzsc9z). Cell phone ownership does not vary based on gender or race (Caucasian, African-American, or Hispanic). Age and income are the biggest division line between cell phone owners with only 74% of those over 65 owning a cell phone versus 97% of those 18-29 owning one. Almost half of all adults own a tablet device. Is it any wonder that mHealth (healthcare supported by a mobile device) has blossomed into one of the fastest growing industries (Intuit.com, 2015)?
It is difficult to know at the moment exactly how mHealth will become a part of our lives, but many health care providers are planning for home monitoring of patients. Using data collection tools wirelessly to transmit health information to providers is one way we can keep patients in their home setting. This is arguably more comfortable for them and decidedly less expensive than hospital-based care.
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) is hosting a webinar on one home-based mHealth application. “In Home Rehabilitation after TKA” is scheduled for January 15, 2014 at 1pm CST. To sign up for the webinar, click here: http://tinyurl.com/mhealthJanuary.
If you want to stay abreast of mHealth industry news, check out mHealth News’ website: http://www.mhealthnews.com/.
