Mobile Computing and Social Networking

Mobile Computing and Social Networking

Compare and contrast monitoring of patient vital signs using mobile computing technology to in-patient visits to the doctor's office or hospital.

Introduction

Technology has affected the lives of humans on every walk of life, be it entertainment or health and safety. The increasing technological advancements and resulting dependence on technology have put humans on an ever depending mode on technology. Undoubtedly, the technological improvements have facilitated our lives very much and continue to do so. The connectivity between technology and human lives has gone far beyond. The living examples are people with artificial hearts, lungs etc. According to a recent research, 78% of Americans are willing to receive healthcare services through their mobile device (Harris Interactive, 2009).

Mobile Computing and Health Care Management

Moreover, the internet technology has changed the way technology was viewed once. The further advancements in the internet and networking field reached way beyond in last few years. With advancements in networking and wireless technology, their use in human health increased. With advancements in wireless technology, came mobile computing. Mobile computing has had a vast impact on health profession. It is through mobile computing that patients are capable of monitoring vital health signs such as glucose level, blood pressure etc. The research has shown that mobile health care is a sustainable and effective technology (McGillicuddy, 2013).

Patient Visits to Doctor's Office

The doctors are undoubtedly, the most important stakeholders of healthcare. From the beginning of the profession, they are considered to be the hub for biological well being of humans and all other living organisms. Mobile technology cannot replace doctors or physicians, never. However, the mobile technology assists patients as well as physicians in monitoring of certain health issues and signs. With further advancements in mobile healthcare management, the visit to a doctor can be more efficient.

Conclusion

A series of apparently unmanageable challenges emerges on the face of healthcare management. From physicians to patients, every stakeholder seems to thrive for diverse ways to counter these challenges in a productive manner. The mobile technology is gaining importance in managing certain health issues and eyes to do so effectively in the future.

Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile computing technology to monitor patients.

Nothing comes without consequences. Same is the case with mobile health care or mHealth. No doubt, the technology has facilitated us in every walk of life; the consequences are there, usually, due to misuse and mismanagement. Research shows that mobile health can save $400 billion by 2017 (Heussner, 2013). Following are certain advantages and disadvantages of mobile computing technology to monitor patients.

Advantages

Mobile health can be beneficial in following ways;

By texting advice to pregnant women and AIDS patients

Remote blood pressure check

Versatile and cost effective way of monitoring health

Patients stick to their health plans and information

Sharing health related information via SMS

A flip-phone-sized device worn on the wrist of a patient can enable doctors to monitor the patient's vital health signs • Access to health records

Disadvantages

Financial implications of implementing the ...