Mobile health (hereafter "mHealth") covers "medical and public health practice supported by mobile devices, such as mobile phones, patient monitoring devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other wireless devices". It also includes applications (hereafter "apps") such as lifestyle and wellbeing apps that may connect to medical devices or sensors (e.g. bracelets or watches) as well as personal guidance systems, health information and medication reminders provided by sms and telemedicine provided wirelessly.
mHealth is an emerging and rapidly developing field which has the potential to play a part in the transformation of healthcare and increase its quality and efficiency.
mHealth solutions cover various technological solutions, that among others measure vital signs such as heart rate, blood glucose level, blood pressure, body temperature and brain activities. Prominent examples of apps are communication, information and motivation tools, such as medication reminders or tools offering fitness and dietary recommendations.
The expanding spread of smartphones as well as 3G and 4G networks has boosted the use of mobile apps offering healthcare services. The availability of satellite navigation technologies in mobile devices provides the possibility to improve the safety and autonomy of patients.
Download: Green Paper on Mobile Health (mHealth) (.pdf, 153 KB).
Download from eHealthNews.eu Portal's mirror: Green Paper on Mobile Health (mHealth) (.pdf, 153 KB).