Introduction
Using high-tech and, no less important, convenient digital tools for tracking individual health indicators is a valuable option in both self-care and hospital stays. In this regard, mobile health technology, often called mHealth, is a significant step, and the corresponding instruments can be utilized in everyday life. Obtaining the necessary health information, including remotely, enables providers to monitor patient indicators and count on the effectiveness of planned intervention procedures.
Mobile Health Definition
Mobile health has often been considered a form of telehealth practiced for a long time. Nevertheless, according to Nelson and Staggers (2018), due to the development of the technological base and increased capabilities, this area has acquired the status of a separate field. The basis of such a movement, which is actively promoted in many countries, is the use of high-tech hardware equipped with appropriate programs and tracking options. The main difference between mHealth and telehealth is mobility, namely the ability to receive and process the necessary health indicators anywhere (Nelson & Staggers, 2018). Thus, the transformation of the usual methods of remote control over patients has become the result of the development of the mHealth sphere.
Example of a Mobile Device
As an everyday mobile device that performs, among other things, the functions of tracking some health indicators, I use the smartwatch manufactured by Apple. This gadget is convenient because it is worn on the wrist and can be utilized as a regular electronic watch. At the same time, by using the relevant statistics, I can access such aspects of my life as the duration and quality of sleep, heart rate, and other parameters.
For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this Apple Watch was a valuable tool for controlling hand washing thoroughness, thus helping me avoid unnecessary health risks. One of the valuable options of this device is a reminder system; due to it, any medication can be taken on time. Given all these features, I can count on the fact that I can immediately access the health above indicators no matter how active I am or where I am.
Mobile Technology in the Healthcare Setting
The mHealth technology can be used in a real healthcare setting. For instance, O’Connor and O’Reilly (2018) note the value of relevant digital instruments in the context of the time-criticality parameter. In emergency cases, it is crucial to monitor a number of indicators in parallel, and appropriate programs can help track specific data in real-time. Digital technologies can also be valuable decision-making tools that healthcare providers can utilize to assess potential interventions and plan appropriate outcomes (O’Connor & O’Reilly, 2018). The reliability of electronic equipment is an additional incentive to pay attention to specific devices and use them in a continuous monitoring system, which, in turn, may contribute to obtaining the most accurate patient health data.
Conclusion
The sphere of mHealth is a promising area that contributes to obtaining accurate and important patient data, thereby helping patients and medical providers. The Apple Watch example is convenient for describing the functionality of corresponding devices. The ability to monitor a range of parameters in real-time, assist in decision-making, and the reliability of specific health measurements are advantages to consider when utilizing such digital tools and applications.
References
Nelson, R., & Staggers, N. (2018). mHealth: The intersection of mobile technology and health. In Health informatics: An interprofessional approach (pp. 255-265). Elsevier.
O’Connor, Y., & O’Reilly, P. (2018). Examining the infusion of mobile technology by healthcare practitioners in a hospital setting. Information Systems Frontiers, 20(6), 1297. Springer.