While a proliferation of novel mHealth apps targeting high-need, high-cost populations exists, real clinical utility is still out of reach for people with chronic conditions, according to a study in the December issue of Health Affairs.
The researchers wrote, “With rising smartphone ownership, mHealth applications (mHealth apps) have the potential to support high-need, high-cost populations in making their health. While the number of available mHealth apps has grown substantially, no clear strategy has emerged on how providers should evaluate and recommend such apps to patients.” The result is a clear gap in access for the patients who could most benefit from these resources.
