This will be the final week for my blog topic to focus on social media and the health care industry. When I read back through the past few weeks of content, the question I seem to be hearing most is “What is next in social media?” In my opinion, the answer is mobile applications.
Mobile applications have just recently, over the past few years, begun to gain popularity. I found myself wondering how a medical professional could utilize a mobile app to increase awareness and spread information. Currently, there are over 6,000 medical applications available. One article I read found that "seventy-five percent of U.S. physicians own some form of Apple device, and that they are quickly embracing the technology for use in their practice."
After researching online for some additional information, I discovered that mobile health apps are being used mainly among patients to access health records. The accessibility to health records allows a patient to update personal documents while monitoring health activities and wellbeing. Not only are patients able to take control of their health, this app will help keep them out of the doctor’s office for non-emergency or minor issues. The physician is able to conduct an examination without the patient actually visiting the office.
Another theme of medical mobile applications currently being utilized by doctors are drug reference guides. This app is a simple idea, but contains information that every medical professional needs. Instead of looking through outdated textbooks or searching online for a drug reference guide, medical professionals can find the information in the palm of their hand. The ease and availability of this application not only saves time, but also can be used to educate health care students as well as patients. For example, how many times have you been prescribed an antibiotic but wanted more information? Instead of sitting down at a computer and performing a Google search, which could pull biased and outdated information about the prescription, one could access the app from their phone and within seconds be able to learn more.
After researching online for some additional information, I discovered that mobile health apps are being used mainly among patients to access health records. The accessibility to health records allows a patient to update personal documents while monitoring health activities and wellbeing. Not only are patients able to take control of their health, this app will help keep them out of the doctor’s office for non-emergency or minor issues. The physician is able to conduct an examination without the patient actually visiting the office.
Another theme of medical mobile applications currently being utilized by doctors are drug reference guides. This app is a simple idea, but contains information that every medical professional needs. Instead of looking through outdated textbooks or searching online for a drug reference guide, medical professionals can find the information in the palm of their hand. The ease and availability of this application not only saves time, but also can be used to educate health care students as well as patients. For example, how many times have you been prescribed an antibiotic but wanted more information? Instead of sitting down at a computer and performing a Google search, which could pull biased and outdated information about the prescription, one could access the app from their phone and within seconds be able to learn more.
So what is the future of social media? What is the future of social media and the health care industry? The future is mobile applications.
I would definitely use a mobile application to review additional drug information, and communicate with the doctor's office. They could also setup alerts to remind patients of upcoming appointments, or to schedule an appointment. I hope this future comes sooner rather than later!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of using an app as an appointment managing tool!
ReplyDelete