Introduction
Technology has come forth as a thrust to make life easier in our day-to-day life. Transformation of technology in the medical sector has emerged through different platforms i.e. e-Health, m-Health, and Telemedicine. E-Health technology can be used to disseminate health-related information or services among health care providers, patients, and clinics. Across the board, e-Health is a segment of health informatics that includes m-Health and telemedicine. Due to widespread availability, the wireless connection equipped with a mobile phone has turned the process of communication faster for the patients and also increased the health care utilization. Mobile technology is enabled to provide the remote monitoring benefits for the patients who are restricted in mobility but needs continuous intervention from clinics. It can increase the probabilities to avoid emergency condition by detecting his/her vital signs and bio-signals.
Implications of e-Health on Medical Science
Currently, the world is experiencing a significant rise of smartphone users, claiming the figure is to be around 8.5 billion globally. The mobile phone has become an indispensable part of our everyday life. Therefore, any health-related intervention through mobile application demands high chance of acceptability among the user. Global Positioning System (GPS), short message services (SMS) and video conferencing through WLAN/GPRS/3G network to locate a patient who needs immediate support are available. In contrast, the patient can determine his/her physical condition by understanding self-bio-signal and can take a decision of when to go for doctor’s consultancy. Chronic diseases are the most common causes of death around the world . The traditional system of episodic care in the clinic and hospital-based has found not to be enough to overcome chronic diseases. For example, an integrated care installed within a device can offer the COPD patients to approach into a self-management; thus promoting the patient to accept prior treatment . According to World Health Organization, increased adherence to medication can support the patients with chronic disease to live in a better way. Therefore, there are areas where the application of e-Health technology is feasible and needs to be implemented to increase patient compliance and treatment adherence.
Application of mobile devices and apps in medical care
Technologically equipped cellular interventions are widely accepted in healthcare to deliver quality services. For example, m-Health is providing different health interventions (preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative care) among all people. m-Health in the form of cellular communication is becoming popular among all group of people due to its handy, reliable and easy features. Text messaging or short message service (SMS) have ensured broad coverage in developing countries due to its low price which facilitates the process of accessibility. It can also receive instant feedback from the target group and give them prompt feedback in case of an emergency. Therefore, text messaging and phone calling offer a possible channel to render health behavior changing communications among the people. For example, during the pregnancy period, advanced communication over the telephone can motivate the mothers to seek proper health care. Phone call intervention can solve problems related to illiteracy or limited understanding of language barrier. In the case of inability of the patient’s to answer the call, a voice message (recorded) service can also play the alternate role. M-health can also be introduced in Maternal and Child health care, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis and many other diseases. Health care professionals are using mobile devices and applications in the way of information management, time management, health record maintenance, consultation, clinical decision making, patient monitoring, medical education, and training to support the entire health system.
Conclusion
e-Health can be considered to be a promising vehicle for health care provision. More strategic approaches are necessary for the planning, development, and implementation of m-Health. International and national health organizations should focus more on the improvement of e-health technology to make it adapted for the benefits of patients. However, m-Health should not be considered as an ultimate remedy to increase the coverage of health care delivery. It should go side by side along with regular clinical visit and follow-up practices. Finally, new and uprising eHealth technologies have huge potential to bridge the gaps between patient and healthcare support providers. Incorporating technology into the medical care can ensure patient-centered health care system.
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