Traditionally when we have needed a doctor or medical attention, we have had to seek it out -- making an appointment, going to the library, checking for information on the internet. But that's one of the things that changes with new cell phone applications. Sure you can use them as references -- but they do something else, too. They "push" information to you, and track info, too.
There are dozens (if not hundreds) of health and medical applications for your cell phone, in particular iPhones. From swine flu maps to medical encyclopedias to drug information -- to diabetes blood glucose trackers and pill taking reminders. Some are free, some are expensive - it depends, of course, on the purpose.
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There are lists and lists of these applications. There are entire companies that are set up to develop new health and medical information applications for cell phones. I understand their use for medical professionals who can look up diagnostic or prescriptive information on the fly as they move from patient to patient.... but I wonder just how much patients are using these applications?
For example, one application allows diabetes patients to key in their blood glucose readings each time they test their blood. Another application lets you input everything you eat, then it tracks your carbs or your calories. Another one lets you set up an audible reminder to take whatever pills you must take at the right time.
Do I think there is some value in these kinds of applications? Sure I do, to the extent patients need these kinds of resources, reminders or repositories.
But - do we need them? Do we use them? And are we willing to take those extra steps needed to make them work?
If you are a diabetes patient, do you want to key in your blood glucose level each time you test your blood?
Or if you are dieting or watching your carbs, do you key in everything you eat to track those numbers?
My theory is that we patients don't want to have to do anything extra. If somebody wants to do it for us, like making it automatic? OK, fine. But we won't take the steps needed to do it ourselves.
Do you use your cell phone for health or medical information gathering or management? Take this poll, please...
And if you have an idea about how you would use your cell phone to keep yourself healthy - share your idea in the comments section below.
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