Mobile technology is exploding in all areas of business. While most people think about what new games will come out or how they can use the NFC technology to pay for items or market their products; one area has been almost invisible to us. The medical field has numerous opportunities for mobile applications.
According to one major health research institute, the consumer market for mobile or remote monitoring devices starts at around 7 billion dollars. Doctors, hospitals and other healthcare service providers are also using various forms of wireless technology.
Last year, Apple (iTunes) stated there were at least 10 thousand health, fitness and medical apps available for download on their site. One research doctor from Penn is developing an app that gives spoken, step by step instructions for CPR.
Everyone has been diving into these areas of mobile technology that are obvious, like marketing and paying for things with your phone. However, the mobile possibilities for the medical industry are almost as wide open as any marketing or commerce aspect of it.
One mention was a “smart” pill box. If an elderly person is forgetful, this could help them remember their medications, or send an alert to a caregiver or close relative to let them know they aren’t taking their medicine. Another area that got attention was patients who are admitted with congestive heart failure.
If we could develop a skin patch to put on their chest when they get admitted, it would also allow them to be remotely monitored after they’re released. Any abnormal data would send an alarm, alerting the nurse or doctor that the patient was possibly developing problems.
Patients who get readmitted for congestive heart failure, shortly after release, cost the health industry over seven billion dollars a year. Early detection of issues could prevent that.
There are still many issues to contend with; such as the cost of paying for additional employees to monitor incoming data. There are also several questions of liability. One step at a time and someday an app may save your life.
