The document outlines various mobile health solutions, including direct-to-consumer devices, remote patient monitoring, and telemedicine options, which enhance patient access to healthcare. Key benefits include increased convenience, improved care for patients with disabilities, and faster access to medical teams. However, challenges such as lack of affordable broadband and mobile device accessibility in underserved communities remain significant barriers.

1. Overview of emerging mobile and
communications-based health and
healthcare solutions
John Sharp, MSSA, PMP, FHIMSS
Senior Manager, Consumer Health IT
Personal Connected Health Alliance of
HIMSS
October 26, 2015

2. Mobile Health Solution Categories
• Direct to consumer devices and apps
• Remote Patient Monitoring
• Clinical mobility solutions
• Remote consults
• Telemedicine centers

3. Range of solutions
• SMS texting – many underserved have access to a
phones which are not smart phones but do have texting
• Patient portals – can be web-based or mobile. Features
vary
• Patient education apps – becoming more visual,
customized. Tablet-based preferred
• Telehealth, video visits
• eVisits – via email or video
• Mobile devices – consumer grade health devices
• Remote patient monitoring – medical grade health
monitoring devices
complexity

4. Benefits for patients
• At home care – convenience and time saving
(including for family caregivers)
• Patients with disabilities experience improved
access
• Early discharge and home monitoring of chronic
illness
• Access to multidisciplinary care teams – reduced
time between referral and consultation

5. Trends
• Adoption – (HIMSS Analytics Telehealth Survey)
– 54% in 2013
– 57% in 2015 Remote patient monitoring after
surgery – low complication, high satisfaction
• Telehealth – Saudi hospital, video visits for stoma
patients, reduced ER visits by 70%
• Teledermatology, telepsychiatry showing potential
• ER follow up – HIMSS case study of George
Washington University Medical Center

6. Mobile Health Disparities
• Affordable broadband not always available in poor,
urban communities
• Are computers at libraries and community centers
an adequate alternative?
• Barriers include last mile and access to mobile
devices. Also, theft can be a concern
• Successful pilots with Medicaid patients using
texting to inform on vaccinations, appointments