Smartphones Drive Health Revolution
The health revolution driven by smartphones is evolving. The rise of social media, biosensors, wearable sensors and smartphone devices such as Android are exploding areas within the healthcare field today. Wearable tech is even expected to have the potential to replace individual input in the future. The devices are cost saving for every metric.
Android smartphones can even convert an entire laboratory to a single chip. The cost savings of eliminating numerous tests and transferring a laboratory environment is an industry changing model. Pharmacy company retail chain Walgreen Co. relies on these mobile technologies with their current strategy which includes implementing technologies for all of its 8,300 stores nationwide. Its customers actively engage through online, mobile apps and relies significantly on mobility. Walgreens has mobile apps for Android tablets. Smartphone convenience is key.
Walgreens
WebMD is another company moving forward with big data and in digital health. The WebMD and Qualcomm Life collaboration will help consumers sync data collected and give consumers the opportunity to take charge of their health via a technology ecosystem of digital health apps and third-party devices. It gives smartphone users a platform that can leverage big data and information to consumers through downloading apps and mobile.
Telemedicine and Android smartphones also save costs and increase patient satisfaction. A virtual visit from a patient can save an average of $88 per meeting which is a substantial reduction versus meeting in person. These numbers are impressive and so are the results. Telemedicine is a great sustainability model for the industry.
For telemedicine in the ICU there are still a range of estimates of the technology's economic impact both positive and it's challenges. This is definitely an appealing area as telemedicine health care dollars saves costs particularly in such expensive areas like intensive care. Telemedicine as a technology is helping all areas of medicine.
Android tablets like KingPad Tablet R7X and SVP 9-inch Android 4.0 Capacitive Touchscreen Tablet help meet the demand for Senior Living Facilities where communication in using technologies emerging and growing. Being able to benefit in cost savings by connecting families with seniors in their communities is outstanding. Android smartphone monitoring technology can identify a residents health and prevent an adverse health event which may in fact lead to untimely discharges that may happen within the facility.
Challenges in the healthcare area in having to resolve security and privacy are there. Healthcare organizations tend to invest less budget for security. If this type of problem can be solved it would make sense to make more resources available and be proactive. Telemedicine barriers even exist. If the push towards regulatory reform for state medical licensing and further encouragement to adopt telemedicine technologies continues this is always a positive future outlook. Regulatory barriers are difficult in cost of obtaining licensure across multiple states, malpractice protection, etc al. Lack of acceptance by government hinders on the healthcare system. Professional and cultural barriers occur from decreased lack of desire or physicians not being able to adapt internally for telemedicine.
Wearables, digital health growth in new users are being found in the emerging markets. China has been widely adopting these technology with the USA with an estimate of 244 million users. Smartphone market leaders like Android contribute to making up for 88 percent of this market. Expansion will help prove further areas of success. The impact of disruptive technologies is expected to change mobile and emerge in growth within the next few years.