The use of smart phones in health care
Mobile phones are progressively
prospected as handheld computers rather than as phones, owing to their
computing capability, expansive memories, generously proportioned screens and
open operating systems which encourage application development. Healthcares,
smartphone applications (apps), include developing trends and market uptake. (Boulos,
wheeler, Tavares & Jones, 2011)
The platforms under which they are available include
Android, Apple iOS, RIM BlackBerry, Symbian, and Windows (Windows Mobile 6.x
and the emerging Windows Phone 7 platform).App recipients are laypersons or
patients and healthcare professionals in different areas e.g., health, fitness
and lifestyle, education and management; ambient assisted living ; continuing
professional education tools; and public
health surveillance. Among these apps are those assisting in the management of
chronic diseases, whether as standalone apps or part of a Body Area Network and
remote server configuration? (Boulos, wheeler, Tavares &Jones, 2011)
The latest development in Smartphone apps is
the eCAALYX (Enhanced Complete Ambient Assisted Living Experiment, 2009-2012),
which is an EU-funded project for older people with multiple chronic
conditions. The eCAALYX Android Smartphone app receives input from a
patient-wearable smart garment with wireless health sensors and the Global
Positioning System .Then the smart phone sensor locates and transmits it over the Internet with a remote
server accessed by healthcare professionals who monitor and manage older
patients with multiple chronic conditions. (Boulos, wheeler, Tava res &
Jones, 2011)
Reference:
Boulos,.M.,K.,Wheeler,.S.,Tavares,.c.,&
Jones,.R.(2011,April) How Smart are changing the face of mobile and
Participatory health care: An overview with example from ecAALYX
doi:
10.11.86/1475-925X-10-24
