Mobile health (mHealth)

Mobile health (mHealth), the use of mobile devices such as cell phones to support health, is poised to greatly impact healthcare in many ways. Smartphones are ubiquitous in developed countries and are rapidly being adopted in developing countries. Since they are highly portable and very powerful computing and communication devices with large storage and excellent graphic capabilities, they have the capability to provide clinical decision support, deliver media-rich medical advice, and support documentation of care even when there is no connectivity. The emerging discipline of persuasive technology provides a conceptual framework for developing effective smartphone systems for healthcare. In developing countries, smartphones can serve as powerful support tools for healthcare professionals including community health workers. Google, Apple, and other third parties provide systems for the development of smartphone systems. There are many new mobile technologies for the health including activity sensors and smartwatches.