There is no denying the fact that technology has had a huge impact on almost every aspect of our lives today. Areas where it has made a significant difference are those of healthcare, medicine and even the fitness industry. One of the largest contributors to this explosion of technology being used in the medical industry is the use of Smartphones. Various apps created for these phones are helping to improve the ways that patients monitor their medical conditions.
Technology can be a Lifesaver
A company called ER Texting is offering a service which provides patients with information about waiting times at local emergency rooms. All it involves is having patients send hospital text codes to 4 ER 411 and in return, they receive current emergency room waiting times, operating hours and direct contact numbers for hospitals which participate in the service. This service is especially beneficial to parents who have children in need of emergency medical care because they will receive up to date information regarding which medical facility to use. Two hospitals which have implemented this service are the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center (CCHMC) and Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH).
How Hemophilia Patients are Able to Benefit from Smartphone Technology
A mobile phone app has been released at the St James Hospital in Dublin, Ireland that allows hemophiliac patients to record medication usage themselves by being able to scan the barcodes on medication packs before using them. In this way, patients receive valuable information regarding potential medication recalls, changes to dosage information or passed expiry dates before using the medication. This app has successfully integrated Smartphone technology with an electronic diary function and barcode scanning. All of these features help to ensure that patients complete medication courses and in the event of a recall, patients are advised immediately to stop using the medication.
The Introduction of a Mobile Version of Medline Plus
Recently, the United States National Library of Medicine introduced a mobile version of Medline and Medline Plus, which are online resources that offer a wide range of health information to the general public. This mobile service has been made available in English and Spanish, which ensures that it is of assistance to a wide audience. Patients have access to a database of information which covers over 800 diseases and other wellness issues. It offers a full medical encyclopedia, images, a medical dictionary and excellent search engine capabilities. All of these tools give patients greater control over managing their health conditions from the comfort of their home.
Article comments