In 2011, the world's approximately seven billion people collectively had just under six billion cell phone subscriptions, and the number of cell phone plans are expected to outnumber people in the coming months. The high penetration of mobile devices has led to high expectations that mobile devices and mHealth will help increase access to care while lowering costs, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers report.
In the next three years, a majority of consumers expect mHealth to significantly change their healthcare experience:
- 59 percent said mHealth will change how information on health issues is found
- 51 percent said mHealth will change how providers or services send general healthcare information
- 49 percent said mHealth will change their overall health management
- 48 percent said mHealth would change how they manage chronic conditions
- 48 percent said mHealth would change how they communicate with providers
- 48 percent said mHealth would change their medication management
- 47 percent said mHealth would change how they measure and share health information
- 46 percent said mHealth would change how their healthcare providers monitored their condition and compliance.
Many respondents expected mHealth to bring about positive change:
- 52 percent said mHealth would make healthcare more convenient
- 48 percent said mHealth will improve healthcare quality
- 46 percent said mHealth will substantially reduce healthcare costs
More Articles on mHealth:
Report: The Top mHealth Users by Condition
6 Steps to a Successful Community-based mHealth Program
Study: mHealth May Not Be As Effective in Promoting Physical Activity