by Holly Shoemaker
As I blogged last week, http://myuniversalapps.blogspot.com/2012/01/physicians-to-rely-more-on-mobile-apps.html, the number of physicians and other medical professionals using mobile medical applications is expected to increase this year. Another study, this time from The Archives of Internal Medicine, reports that more than 80 percent of doctors will use medical apps this year.
Quality of Medical Apps
While mobile apps will change the way doctors and patients communicate, concerns regarding the quality and accuracy of medical apps are a valid. In part, this is what drove the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into proposing guidelines for certain classifications of apps. For many patients, it is likely your physician uses a medical app to look up drug interactions or for research purposes. These apps will not require regulation. Therefore, patients should understand what apps their doctors use and the reasons behind their use.
What Patients Should Know
Medical apps have a lot of potential. One of the biggest advantages to apps is their ability to be updated more quickly than a textbook. However, patients may not take the time to ask their doctors questions regarding apps.
If your physician uses a smartphone to access medical apps, make sure you find out the name of the app and how your doctor's office protects your privacy (when used to access patient information). You may also take your thought process a step further:
- Ask who developed the app.
- Ask who collaborated on the app.
- Ask what version of the app your physician uses.
- Ask why they like and/or trust the app.
Concluding Thoughts
Often times it is easier to find out who contributed to a medical journal or other print-based reference. When it comes to apps, you may need to ask the above questions. In a field that continues to grow, apps designed with subject matter experts (SMEs) will gain more users. Even if an app is not regulated, patients may play a large role in ensuring doctors use credible apps.
No comments:
Post a Comment