Pros And Cons Of Mobile Health

The advancements with technology with in the health care industry has provided patients with other alternatives when it comes to receiving health care than merely having to seek treatment from his or her physician in an office setting. A new advancement in the health care field that will be discussed thoroughly is mobile health (mHealth). This technique allows patients to use a mobile device (cell phone or tablet) to obtain medical information, track his or her health, transmit medical information to his or her physician, and even alert them if there appears to be a medical emergency. As with all developments in health care, there are pros and cons that exist. Could mHealth be the future of health care for those who live in remote locations

Although the term mHealth often refers to a mobile device, it is pertinent that there is an understanding that not every cell phone or device will have this capability. This can be done when individuals use or wear devices that are capable of transmitting the data to a remote location such as their physician’s office. One example of a device that has become popular is the Fitbit. With the variety of Fitbit wristbands available and depending on what the purchaser is looking for they can purchase one that is capable of monitoring the individual’s steps, sleep habits, and heart rate. The data that is obtained can then be sent to the individuals email address which can be used to track data and/or provided to his or her physician at their next office

For example, a patient makes the decision to lose weight and download an app that synchronizes with the Fitbit wristband. The wristband will track the patient’s steps, heart rate, and provides the option of inputting the meals that were eaten throughout the day. Throughout the day, while walking at work, the patient’s heartrate exceeds 115 beats per minute. The patient would be able to use the data that has been obtained to discuss options with his or her physician. The patient may need to be referred to a Cardiologist to have further testing done but without the patient being able to view their heartrate, they may have never been made aware of a possible heart