A Harris Interactive/HealthDay survey of 2,050 adult patients highlights patient interest in using health care technology to become actively involved in their medical issues. According to the report, many would use their mobile devices to do things like ask doctors questions, book appointments, check the side effects of medicine and receive test results and reminders to refill prescriptions.
Respondents expressed less interest, however, in apps regarding lifestyle choices, such as smoking cessation, exercise and weight loss. People also responded differently depending on their age. For example, a quarter of people aged 65 and older were “very interested” in using the devices to help manage their blood pressure compared with 38% of younger people.
Some apps may be very beneficial, but others may be not be. An HIT Consultant article describes three useful and tested apps already being used by patients. Pokitdok is a tool helping patients to shop for health services. Asthmapolis attaches to a patient’s inhaler and transmits respiratory data to doctors and therapists, while Mango Health guides patients in medication use. A host of other apps enabling access to medical records and management of doctor and health care vendor accounts are just a few of the possibilities.
However, a flood of unproven health apps presents a unique and serious problem. Some are little more than “snake oil,” says one expert in a Washington Post article. Apps making outrageous claims include a cell phone light that cures acne, sounds that cure tinnitus and apps that predict a baby’s gender. These apps could be dangerous to a person’s health when they use information from these apps instead of seeing a doctor.
Because of the potential dangers, Congress is debating federal oversight of this emerging growth in health care apps, according to a Health Leaders Media article. Some argue that consumers need protection, while some fear the development of useful technologies might be threatened by over regulation.
