Editor’s Note: This post is sponsored by Samsung.
Mobility in healthcare spending is projected to reach $5.4 billion this year, according to an IDC Health Insights report. With the U.S. coming in as the largest market in the world for mobile devices due to a large number of manufacturers, technological advancements, an increasing population with smartphones, tablets, and laptops and a growing awareness about the devices and technology, it’s no wonder the healthcare industry is taking strides to get their programs into the hands of these already mobile-savvy consumers.
Smart phones and other communication tools coupled with a larger than average aging population with a greater prevalence of chronic diseases are the biggest key drivers for mobility in healthcare. Today, almost 70% of clinicians use laptops or smartphones to access healthcare data.
Tools Impacting Mobile Health for Patients
Healthcare mobility apps/tools allow for better ways to monitor and record vital signs (such as blood pressure and glucose levels), secure and access patient records, deliver patient education and provide alert notifications and updates. All of these touch points will help enhance clinical workflow, increase patient engagement with clinicians, improve caretaker collaboration and heighten patient privacy.
Other mHealth tools that are making an impact on mobile healthcare include:
– Diagnostic imaging applications such as ultrasound machines, digital radiography and computed tomography that will provide real-time accuracy and improve patient experience and quality of care.
– Digital signage solutions that can display directions to hospital areas or provide visiting hours.
These solutions can also provide updated patient conditions to loved ones in waiting rooms, educate patients and medical staff throughout the medical procedure or process and deliver security and emergency updates. These solutions will help foster better personalized engagement, offer more timely messages, allow for information on demand and create better management and coordination between the hospital staff.
– Zero-client technology applications can provide low-profile access from high-traffic areas and allow for simple access to patient note dictation. Any hospital staff worker or client can log in to any of these devices anywhere, knowing that their data is safe and secure.
The benefits of this mobile technology include less IT support required (which saves hospitals or offices money), heightened security management and lower power consumption (which also increases the bottom line).
The global medical device and mobile health-monitoring market is expected to grow at over 43% per year (CAGR), exceeding $8 billion in 2019. Healthcare organizations that support mobile health adoption for their patients can help improve chronic disease management and improve the overall quality of care.
The following infographic created by Samsung Business illustrates how mobile technology is enabling greater flexibility, portability, interactivity and better patient care and why there is such a huge increase in the mobile market: 
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Sources:
1. Vera Gruessner, “Medical Device and Mobile Health Market to Reach $8 Billion” mHealth Intelligence http://mhealthintelligence.com/news/medical-device-and-mobile-health-market-to-reach-8-billion 2. http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/mhealth-monitoring-diagnostic-medical-devices.html
