mHealth meets p(ublic)Health

As the mobile health field moves forward, the speed of development and demand is almost blinding.  We have entered an era in which helping patients and providers to continuously monitor a variety of diseases to hopefully push back the spread of chronic diseases and influence  healthy choices is becoming a reality.

Our $2.6 trillion healthcare economy needs some healthy (and likely dramatic) weight loss itself.  With non-profit and private institutions bringing in revenues of billions of dollars there is only some room for most to state that they are having a hard time too.  Sure their institutions are bulky, slow to respond and burdened at times by low-paying patients but in the midst of that are fountains, zen gardens, delivery suites that look like hotel rooms and more.  Let me be clear about something, I believe that an excellent healthcare system does depend on a healing environment that comforts the patient and their caregivers.  This has moved beyond dispute.  But all of these things are made possible by an era of abundance.

Roll down the street into a disadvantaged neighborhood where most are underinsured, uninsured or on Medicaid and the zen gardens, fountains and concierge services mysteriously disappear.  Municipal and state-run medical facilities are often left to care for patients with lower incomes, less education, busy work-life schedules and in many cases lack proper access to fresh and healthy foods or a safe place to be active outside.  Providing excellent care to these disadvantaged populations has long proven difficult due to inadequate resources, connectivity and a host of social issues.

Mobile technology may offer a window into this field that needs to be dramatically improved.  A 2010 study by the Pew Research Center titled, “Technology Trends Among People of Color” highlights that mobile phone usage is dramatically higher amongst people of color than that of Caucasian Americans.  This is significant because looking at computer ownership paints the inverse relationship of the prior example.  The principle concept being that mobile technology provides a more affordable gateway to connect with someone than an expensive computer or with the approaching extinction-level event of the home telephone.  Mobile phones present a great way for patients and providers to better connect and increase the value of service.  To send medication reminders by text message, help eliminate food deserts (see Food Oasis) and to reduce health literacy gaps.  A portal exists into public health that has long been absent.  Now the challenge is harnessing this great technology to do good.

We are merely at the tip of the iceberg but I think it is important to acknowledge the potential that lies ahead and to work towards creating that better future today.

Be Well.