In the past 10 years, mobile apps designed to help people manage medical conditions have grown in popularity. If you have diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure — there’s an app for that. Doctors and insurance companies sometimes recommend apps to patients. In addition, anyone can easily search the more than 300,000 mobile health care apps available online. Since so many of us rely on smartphones to navigate our daily lives, it is natural, and perhaps beneficial, to integrate these apps into our health care. But consider several things before you download and use these tools.
In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration decided they would not regulate, review or monitor a mobile health app unless it’s connected to an instrument that can be used for a physical exam. There are too many apps for any one agency to regulate them all. Unfortunately, many apps are not evidence-based or created by people with a background in health care. Because of that, mobile health apps may not contain correct information, may not be useful, and in some cases, may even be harmful. People using the apps and their doctors need to be aware of these potential pitfalls.
[See: 7 Ways Technology Can Torpedo Your Health.]
Most apps, including asthma apps, include reminder systems to take medication, basic information about a condition and/or diaries to track progress over time. Other apps connect to sensors on medication bottles and transmit data to a third party, or even a health care provider, who can monitor whether prescribed medication is being taken. Some apps allow for direct real-time communication with a health care provider who can answer questions. Collectively, these may improve care, particularly for those who have integrated technology into their daily lives and respond well to these interventions.
As an allergist who treats children and adolescents with allergies and asthma every day, there are several features that parents and teenagers tell me they want in an app. First and foremost, the app must be compatible with different devices. Reminder systems for medications are useful as well. Links to current outdoor pollen levels in their area also offer valuable information. Lastly, apps should be fun and engaging, colorful and up-to-date in regard to technology and features. Avatars that look like the people using the app go a long way toward helping with engagement.
The biggest question yet to be answered is whether these apps provide any benefit. So far, very few clinical trials have been conducted. Many studies look at behavior changes such as increased use of medications. Most studies are not over a long period of time, and not designed to track long-term improvement. Almost all studies that have been done don’t compare those in the study with a similar group of patients not using the app.
[See: Apps to Mind Your Mental Health.]
The public’s privacy is a big concern. Many health apps are only used on the phone or tablet they are downloaded onto and do not transmit data. They also don’t allow anyone access to information stored within the app. These apps probably don’t pose a risk to someone’s health information being accessed. However, any app that transmits your data needs to be securely monitored to protect patient privacy. Buyer beware if the process to protect sensitive information is not easily discovered.
Talk with your health care provider if they have recommended an app because they should be familiar with how the app works, the included features, and potential pitfalls. Ask your allergist if you need help downloading and installing the app or entering relevant information. It’s important to discuss expected benefits and/or outcomes from using the app. Is it realistic to expect fewer asthma symptoms if you use the app? Your health care provider may have answers.
Any mobile health app that claims it can replace your treatment or “cure” your condition should be avoided. As our world becomes ever more connected, these apps will undoubtedly become a routine part of medical care. However, it’s unreasonable to expect currently available options to do anything more than assist, but not replace, the standard approaches to your care.
Technology already exists that can pair wearable devices with mobile health apps. In the not-so-distant future, you can imagine a constant exchange of information from biometric sensors to and from mobile health apps. Data can be constantly analyzed, allowing apps to provide real time feedback regarding health status and risk for something such as a heart attack. Algorithms can store our baseline health information, incorporate new data regarding changes to our health and then offer alerts to health care providers. All of this could happen seamlessly in the background as we go about our daily lives.
[See: 5 Common Preventable Medical Errors.]
Many people fear rapid changes in technology, especially artificial intelligence. They imagine a dystopian future where machines rule humans. Hopefully that scenario will stay in the fictional world of books and movies. However, now is the time to gain a better understanding of the benefits, limitations and clinical applications of mobile health apps. Thoughtful development and use of these apps is vital. As with any other medical treatment, clinical studies need to be conducted before widespread use is adopted.
Misinformation prevails online, especially in regards to health conditions. Just as we should all think twice before clicking on a catchy headline offering a “miracle cure,” we should be just as thoughtful before downloading and using mobile health apps.
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Read This Before You Tap That Mobile Health App originally appeared on usnews.com
