Mobile health apps and hardware offer intriguing possibilities, though it’s hard for providers to tell what models and methods of use are going to stand out. Clearly, mHealth is going to change the way care is delivered, and how patients take part in that care, but how?
Here’s a tidbit from McKesson that might offer some useful insight. The infographic, which draws on data from The Economist Intelligence Unit, predicts that mHealth is moving from providing consumer information to driving patients’ involvement in their own care.
One of the more interesting details in this chart is the prediction that within five years, the percentage of people using mHealth apps to share information will fall from an already-low 17% to 14%.
I was also intrigued by the notion that the number of people using mHealth to gain social support will rise from 17% now, rise to 26% then fall to 13%. Does this suggest that consumers will shift communications styles back to more face-to-face channels of support? That they’ll rely on some technology or model that hasn’t been invented yet?
It’s something to consider.