What does FDA regulation have to do with mobile phone applications? It’s called mHealth and it is taking mobile health to a higher level. With the ability to access information anywhere, smartphones and tablets are changing the way doctors provide care to their patients. Mobile medical applications are growing at a very fast pace. And with increasing demand on doctors to be in more than one place at a time, these health apps make it easier for doctors to deliver care.
Many mobile medical apps pose minimal to no risk at all to patients. Health apps that turn mobile devices into medical devices can pose a risk and need federal regulation. Some of these apps are only accessible to doctors. However, a growing number of mobile health apps are directly available to patients – raising concerns that patients will believe themselves to be experts and not seek medical advice because their medical smartphone apps said this or that. Thus, the need for some regulation of mobile health apps, not total regulation, seems appropriate. In order to find out what medical apps are currently under FDA regulation, check out: http://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/deviceregulationandguidance/
Mobile health apps increasing in popularity among doctors and patients are:
- iHealth Blood Pressure Monitor – Connect a cuff to your smartphone or tablet and monitor your blood pressure.
- SmartHeart – Uses wireless transmission to send information from your heart monitor to your mobile device.
- OnTrack Diabetes – Free application that allows diabetics to track crucial information connected to diabetic health: blood glucose, food, blood pressure, exercise, pulse, medication and weight.
One thing is for sure, mobile health apps are a trend that is continuing to grow. mHealth is increasing in importance and mobile health apps are making things easier for doctors and patients alike. If you are interested in tapping into the growing, lucrative market of medical-oriented apps, Mystic Media can create the mobile app you’re looking for. Contact us to learn more.