Two different sources, one point of view — that mobile is going to continue to play a larger role in our lives (including our healthcare).
First, from the Pew Internet & American Life Project report. Among expert respondents, 77% mostly agreed that in 2020, the phone (with significantly enhanced computer power) is expected to become the primary connection tool to the internet.
Second, from a health industry conference on the role of mobility and mobile solutions in the health industry. All speakers agreed that as it relates to the cell phone, we are only now beginning to uncover its full potential:
• in the management of chronic diseases
• as a tool for accessing timely information
• as an essential device for capturing information
• as a way to collaborate across time and distance
• as a means to interact in new ways with patients
• and as a platform for education and entertainment.
Yet all acknowledged that we have barely scratched the surface on the ways these devices and mobile solutions will play out in the future.
The devil is in the details. While mobile phones and cross pollination and transfer of information and data might be better with mobile phones and wireless, taking care of patients has so many extrinsic subtleties that can affect how business occurs. For example, what about HIPAA compliance, what about trial lawyers using information from doctor to doctor advice, or doctor to patient advice. This is not an impossible task, but as there is far more to it than meets the eye
Edic,
Thank you for your time, and your comment. Agree that while there are tremendous advantages that current/future technologies offer in terms of “real-time” 1-on-1 advice, information, support, etc. — healthcare is faced with significant challenges and realities unlike other industries. As you say, not impossible, but more complexities than meets the eye.
These uses are already taking place. I wrote about some of them months ago regarding clinical trial retention. See here http://mobihealthnews.com/1376/clinical-trials-retention-compliance-and-mobiles/ Once we truly have safe portable medical records, the advent of mobile tech will take off.