There are no shortage of trivial things that smartphones can do: they can make a noise as Dr. Who sonic screwdriver, they open a world of fun video chats, and they offer the coolest games around. As quickly as the fun aspects of cell phones are increasing, however, their practical value is also growing by leaps
One of the most interesting prospects for mobile mHealth is. it has the potential to help people in the world are living longer, in better health richer. What exactly mHealth, and what are its implications regarding data privacy?
What Is mHealth?
mHealth is an abbreviation for mobile health. The World Health Organization called mHealth, "mHealth is a component of e-health. To date, no standardized definition of mHealth has been established." Indeed, mHealth is so new that it is more of a concept becoming a concrete function of the medical world.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding mHealth, however, some things are certain. There are almost as many cell phone subscriptions worldwide as some people; mHealth may one day make access to basic health care and truly universal information
the potential applications of mHealth are endless researchers can use to collect valuable data.. activities and population genetics; patients may be able to use sensors to send their further care provider information; health care providers could send reminders for people to take their medicine; and it might even have an impact in the fight against diseases such as diabetes.
mHealth Down the Road
The benefits of mHealth may sound good in theory, but what the medical professionals around the world think about the potential of technology?
summarizing a survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit, HIT Consultant stressed that the medical field sees a bright future for mHealth. The survey found more than half of health leaders think mHealth could improve patient outcomes. About half think mobile health will be just the tools patients must take a proactive approach to health, and half think it will reduce the costs associated with the delivery of health care.
As at present, the main role of mHealth is to educate and inform patients. However, there is little doubt that the technology could eventually grow to be an integral part of health care worldwide. This will only happen if mHealth can overcome the obstacles facing him.
It Is not All Roses for mHealth
Unfortunately, as is the case with many other brilliant ideas, money is in the path of progress of mHealth, particularly in the USA. In the US, medical services are performed within a service charge system. mHealth could significantly reduce the amount of dollars that goes into the pockets of the medical industry. In the survey, about one-fifth of participants thought mHealth could provide no income at all.
Another issue that can block forward movement is mHealth patients. The elderly and infirm may be reluctant to trust mHealth, and they may have difficulty learning to use it. In addition, human error becomes greater danger when medical treatments fall into the hands of untrained; if people do not receive adequate training on how to use devices associated with mHealth - such as sensors, for example - they might end up with misleading information and false beliefs about their health
the attitude of the medical industry can also. is an obstacle; the survey found that more than 40 percent of participants believe that "the institutional conservatism" is a problem.
The confidentiality of data Problem
Certainly, concerns abound around mHealth, and perhaps the greatest of these concerns is data privacy. medical identity theft is already a big problem. A memorable horror story is that of Anndorie Sachs; because another woman stole her identity and gave birth to a baby with drugs in his system, authorities temporarily took the children away Sachs. This horror story is far from an isolated case. A report revealed that there were 1.85 million victims of medical identity theft in 2013.
Could mHealth exacerbate the problem? Imagine you have a multitude of important medical data stored on your mobile device, and you lose your device. Whether your vital statistics, names of health care providers, or your insurance information, you might find yourself confused and frustrated the next time you need medical attention.
There is also the issue of Big Brother. mHealth could help researchers by providing huge sample data on health and people's activities. The operators of mHealth programs could even sell that data to insurance companies and pharmaceuticals. Such practices can stimulate progress in the medical field, but they illustrate the truth that even such sensitive information that medical records could end up anywhere.
The Road to Making a reality mHealth
What can legislators and regulators are mHealth to the positives of mHealth outweigh the negatives? Some possible measures include:
- Encrypting all medical data on mobile devices and the development of medical applications with a focus on privacy and security
- Enact legislation which lays down specific rules for how data mHealth. can be used and who can use it.
- Monetizing mHealth by charging fees for mobile consultations and the sale of subscriptions for access to particular types of content.
- Require peer reviews for all medical procedures and mobile applications to ensure they are as effective and accurate as possible.
- Equipping mobile applications with an option that allows operators to remotely wipe data from a medical device in case of loss or theft.
mHealth Is the future?
Whether you are a health nut or you just want to take reasonable steps to stay in good shape, mHealth sounds like a practical option. As mHealth makes its way into the mainstream, becoming ever more diligent to make your mobile device has safeguards against pirates. Keep your device updated, do not download suspicious applications, and stay abreast of the latest technology threats. Talk to your health care provider on the mobile health; he or she may be able to give you advice and keep you updated on your mHealth options.
reduced medical costs and easy access to health advice sounds like a dream but mHealth does not come without its drawbacks. Only time will tell if it will become an important part of the health care system.
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