The Transformative Impact of Mobile Devices in Healthcare

Intro

Mobile devices, such as tablets, smartphones, and cell phones have taken on new responsibilities in our life, and are used more often in our day-to-day lives. Indeed, electronic devices have become an integral part of modern life and have taken on various new responsibilities, transforming the way we interact, communicate, and perform daily tasks. Mobile devices have revolutionized communication, allowing us to stay connected with others through phone calls, text messages, social media, email, video calls, and various messaging apps. They have made it possible to instantly reach people around the world, enhancing both personal and professional relationships. With mobile devices, accessing the internet has become effortless and ubiquitous. These devices offer internet connectivity on the go, enabling us to browse the web, search for information, and use various online services from virtually anywhere.

In addition, mobile devices have turned into portable entertainment hubs. We can stream movies, TV shows, and videos, listen to music and podcasts, play games, read books, and engage with various interactive apps, all from the palm of our hand. Smartphones and tablets allow us to manage schedules, set reminders, access cloud-based documents, take notes, and collaborate on projects, making them invaluable for work and organization. Significantly, social media platforms have grown exponentially with the rise of mobile devices. People use these devices to share updates, photos, and videos, interact with others, and stay connected to their social networks. Mobile devices have also transformed the way we shop and manage our finances. With secure mobile banking apps and e-commerce platforms, we can easily perform financial transactions and make purchases from anywhere. Moreover, GPS capabilities in mobile devices have made navigation and finding directions effortless. They have become indispensable tools for travelers and daily commuters alike.

However, it's important to strike a balance in the usage of these devices, as excessive screen time can have negative impacts on physical and mental health. Responsible and mindful use of mobile devices can maximize their benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks.

Mobile Devices Will Reshape The Healthcare Industry?

Mobile devices have had a profound impact on the healthcare industry, reshaping various aspects of patient care, medical practice, and health management. Mobile devices, coupled with wearable health trackers, have enabled remote patient monitoring. Patients can now track their vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, and more, using smartphone apps or wearable devices. This data can be transmitted to healthcare providers in real-time, allowing for continuous monitoring and timely intervention. In addition, not only the hardware, but also software are also part of the innovation. Applications installed  in these devices also offer a plethora of health and wellness apps that cater to various needs. These apps provide information on healthy living, nutrition, mental health, fitness, and more. Users can set health goals, track progress, and receive personalized recommendations, empowering them to take control of their well-being.

Another innovation I want to talk about is AI. AI has already begun to reshape the healthcare industry, and its impact is expected to continue growing significantly in the coming years. AI can analyze vast amounts of medical data, including patient records, lab results, and imaging studies, to assist in the early detection and accurate diagnosis of diseases. Machine learning algorithms can also help predict patient outcomes and recommend personalized treatment plans based on individual characteristics and historical data. In addition, AI-powered virtual health assistants can provide patients with personalized medical advice and answer their health-related queries. These virtual assistants can also monitor patients' health remotely, enabling timely interventions and reducing the need for in-person visits. Algorithms can analyze medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to detect abnormalities and assist radiologists in making more accurate diagnoses.

It Is Hard to Pick Just One, But Extending Access to Medical Care Is Indeed Significant

Extending access to medical care in rural areas through the use of mobile devices has shown promising results in several countries, including Japan, China, India, Singapore, Malawi, and Bangladesh. These initiatives leverage digital technology to overcome the geographical challenges and lack of healthcare resources in remote regions. In Japan (Hokkaido), medical Platform Asia provided 3G wireless devices to 300 residents in rural Hokkaido. These devices record and transmit vital health data such as blood pressure, weight, and distance walked. Doctors analyze this data and offer medical recommendations remotely. The initiative has led to substantial improvements in patient awareness of health issues, such as blood pressure management and the importance of proactive medical care.

In China (Hebei Province), rural doctors were equipped with mobile devices that could access electronic health records and health treatment databases. This enabled physicians to access patient health information and learn about treating common medical problems. If needed, they could also consult with specialists from urban systems. This initiative has significantly improved healthcare access for approximately 300,000 patients. In India, rural-dwellers can access medical care remotely through video conferencing. By using broadband connections, doctors from distant locations can examine and diagnose patients, offering medical treatment to those in underserved areas where physicians are scarce.

Healthcare Technology in Taiwan

Taiwan has made significant progress in adopting electronic health record systems. The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) has implemented a comprehensive EHR system, making it easier for healthcare providers to access patients' medical information, reducing paperwork, and improving the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery. Telemedicine has also gained popularity in Taiwan, particularly in rural or remote areas where access to healthcare facilities might be limited. Patients can consult with healthcare professionals remotely, reducing travel time and costs while ensuring timely medical advice.

In addition, there has been an increasing trend in using health apps and wearable devices to monitor and track individual health metrics. These technologies help people take a proactive approach to their health, and healthcare providers can leverage the data for better diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. As mentioned above, Taiwanese healthcare institutions have been exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to analyze medical images and assist in diagnosing diseases more accurately and efficiently.

Health Information Exchange platforms allow secure sharing of patient data among healthcare providers. Taiwan has been working on developing and expanding HIE networks to facilitate seamless communication between different medical institutions, leading to better-coordinated care. The Taiwanese government has been actively supporting digital health initiatives, aiming to create a more patient-centered and digitally integrated healthcare system. These initiatives encompass various projects aimed at improving healthcare services, such as mobile health, telecare, and health data analytics. Taiwan has also been at the forefront of developing healthcare robots that assist in tasks like patient care, medication delivery, and elderly support. These robots help alleviate the strain on healthcare workers and provide additional care options for patients.

Technology Assist The Healthcare

As a resident of Taipei, Taiwan, several types of technology could greatly assist healthcare in my neighborhood. These technologies aim to enhance patient care, improve healthcare access, and streamline healthcare processes. For example, promoting the use of health apps and wearable devices among residents can encourage proactive health monitoring. These technologies can track vital signs, exercise, and lifestyle habits, allowing individuals to better manage their health and prevent potential health issues. 

Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for medical imaging analysis can aid healthcare professionals in diagnosing diseases accurately and swiftly. AI algorithms can assist in detecting anomalies in X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, leading to faster and more precise diagnoses. For example, an innovated X-rays and CT scans startup, Nano X Imaging, created a whole new digital X-ray technology combine with Nanox AI and Nanox Cloud to provide a comprehensive medical detection system. The system not only significantly lower the cost per scan compare to traditional X-ray system, but also make early detection much more accessible. 

Moreover, integrating healthcare robots in hospitals and care facilities can assist in patient care tasks and improve overall efficiency. Robots can handle repetitive tasks, deliver medications, and provide support to healthcare staff, thus freeing up time for more personalized patient care. For example, The da Vinci Surgical System is a sophisticated robotic surgical platform used by surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgeries. It is developed and manufactured by Intuitive Surgical Inc. and has been in use since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000. The system is named after the Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, reflecting its precision, dexterity, and innovation. Now, more and more hospital in Taiwan tend to have these facilities.

Reference

Atske, S. (2019, March 7). 1. use of smartphones and social media is common across most emerging economies. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/03/07/use-of-smartphones-and-social-media-is-common-across-most-emerging-economies/ 

Bohr, A., & Memarzadeh, K. (2020). The rise of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare applications. Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7325854/ 

Kumar, Y., Koul, A., Singla, R., & Ijaz, M. F. (2023). Artificial Intelligence in disease diagnosis: A systematic literature review, synthesizing framework and future research agenda. Journal of ambient intelligence and humanized computing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8754556/ 

Nano X Imaging Ltd: Advanced Medical Imaging Systems. Nano X Imaging Ltd | Advanced Medical Imaging Systems. (n.d.). https://www.nanox.vision/ 

Qualcomm announces project to enable 3G health care access for rural Japanese communities: Qualcomm. Wireless Technology & Innovation. (n.d.). https://www.qualcomm.com/news/releases/2010/07/qualcomm-announces-project-enable-3g-health-care-access-rural-japanese 

Smith, A. A., Li, R., & Tse, Z. T. H. (2023, March 27). Reshaping healthcare with wearable biosensors. Nature News. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-26951-z 

Soriano, G. P., Yasuhara, Y., Ito, H., Matsumoto, K., Osaka, K., Kai, Y., Locsin, R., Schoenhofer, S., & Tanioka, T. (2022, August 18). Robots and robotics in nursing. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9407759/ 

Telehealth use in rural healthcare overview - rural health information hub. Overview - Rural Health Information Hub. (n.d.). https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/telehealth 

Wu, N., Gong, E., Wang, B., Gu, W., Ding, N., Zhang, Z., Chen, M., Yan, L. L., Oldenburg, B., & Xu, L.-Q. (2019, July 19). A smart and multifaceted mobile health system for delivering evidence-based secondary prevention of stroke in rural China: Design, development, and Feasibility Study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6676792/ 

Wu, T.-Y., Majeed, A., & Kuo, K. N. (2010, December). An overview of the healthcare system in Taiwan. London journal of primary care. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3960712/ 

West, D. (2012). How mobile devices are transforming healthcare. Issues in Technology Innovation, 18. Brookings Institute. https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/22-mobile-health-west.pdf