Mobile Apps Enhance mHealth Delivery
MHealth apps continue to grow in prominence as consumers seek more individualized control over the way healthcare is accessed. From the ability to book, change, and cancel appointments to gaining easy access to electronic health records and e-consultation, users who have downloaded mobile health applications have benefitted significantly. As mobile and handheld devices become more prevalent and technologically advanced, innovations in mHealth app development are gaining speed.
Evidently, mHealth industry is seeing a steady rise in the adoption of wellness management apps. These include apps that help consumers with diet & nutrition, exercise & fitness, lifestyle & stress, and others. The Samsung Health (S Health) app, for example, allows users to manage health better and stay motivated while tracking nutrition, sleep, fitness, weight loss, and other parameters.
Swiss diet and lifestyle coaching app Oviva is another excellent example in the wellness management category. Recently in September 2021, Oviva raised $80 million in a funding round to expand its reach in the U.K., Switzerland, Germany, and France.
Health condition management is a key segment of the mHealth market which is increasingly gaining traction. The category includes disease specific apps, medication reminders, focus on women health, and other segments. The use of these apps is on the rise as they can be cost-effective, convenient, and easy-to-use.
Recently, several apps for health condition management have been introduced in the market:
The Mount Sinai Health System launched a new mobile app in August to improve care for patients with risk of heart attacks. The platform enhances communication among doctors and healthcare staff so that patients can receive faster and more focused care.
In April, French start-up Nabla had rolled out a new app focused on women’s health. The apps offers users the ability to connect with health professionals including general practitioners, gynecologists, nurses, midwives, nutritionists, or physiotherapists.
The widespread penetration of mobile devices and 5G access will continue boost the adoption of mHealth apps in the future. With consistent efforts by developers, these apps will only get better, more efficient, more accurate, and more reliable.
