Patient use of mobile devices as healthcare management tools is on the rise. Sixty-two percent of patients use smartphones to inquire about a health concern or condition, and two in three patients are open to using an app to manage healthcare tasks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration predicts that in just three short years, half of the 3.4 billion mobile-device users will have downloaded a mobile healthcare app to their smartphone or tablet.
Although only about 16 percent of healthcare professionals currently use a mobile app for healthcare management, roughly 46 percent intend to do so in the near future. If a branded healthcare app is in your organization’s plans, you may want to keep reading. In addition to exploring the benefits, we’ll offer tips on promoting your app to your patients.
The benefits of a healthcare app
Increased efficiency
According to a recent survey on the benefits of mobile apps, half of healthcare professionals agree mobile apps will increase efficiency. Think of the time (and resources) consumers and providers can save when patients schedule or change an appointment, check lab results or pay a bill with the swipe of a finger.
Improved access to care
No longer is an in-person visit the only way to access medical care. Patients who are frail or those who live in rural areas can visit a physician or specialist across town or across the world—virtually—through a mobile app.
Increased autonomy
A healthcare app is another tool patients can use to assist in the management of their care. Patient discharge instructions or office visit summaries can be accessed via an app. Medications can be reordered or even automatically refilled. And questions on medication side effects, care plans and more can be sent to physicians with the touch of a button.
Once you develop your app, you’ll want to promote it. A postcard printed with a quick-response (QR) code for easy download is a great way to get this important information into the hands of your patients. Retractable banners and floor stickers are other great promotional tools that are difficult to overlook. You may also consider imprinted giveaways, such as Smartphone Stress Relievers or Banner Pens, that can distributed in your clinic.
Encouraging patients to try the app by offering a reward for download is also helpful. First-aid kits, smartphone wallets or the chance to win a tablet case are all nice incentives.
Mobile healthcare apps can improve patient satisfaction, care and overall health and well-being. If you’re not using one now, chances are you may be exploring the option in the future. We hope we’ve provided a head start by discussing some of the benefits others are seeing. Best of luck!
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Leventhal, Rajiv. “Survey: Doctors and Patients See Benefits in Mobile Apps.” Healthcare Informatics. N.p., 24 Mar. 2015. Web. Retrieved 22 Mar. 2016.
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