In today’s day in age, chronic conditions are not only a challenge for those who are suffering from them, but also for healthcare providers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 60 percent of adults in the U.S. suffer from conditions, and 40 percent of them live with two or more chronic illnesses. Those diseases are the key cause of death and disabilities in patients.
Mobile apps for these specific patients may be able to help them manage their chronic conditions. Here are some recommendations for app developers to keep in mind when searching for solutions for such patient populations.
Choosing a Niche
Before starting your mobile health app development journey, consulting with healthcare providers to identify which condition to focus on is key. Statistical evidence on hospitalizations and chronic conditions could identify which patient populations are most in need.
Key Health App Features
An app for those impacted by chronic conditions is not a simple calendar or organizer. It is a full-scale tool (or assistant) that helps patients adapt to the specifics of their condition and manage their life effectively.
Because chronic disease patients come from a wide range of demographic groups, with varying budgets, living situations, and levels of access to healthcare services, it's preferable to design cross-platform applications to reach a larger audience. Furthermore, many of these applications fall under the category of software as a medical device (SaMD), and such software should be designed in accordance with the necessary ISO and FDA requirements.
So, which core features should be included in such an app?
Patient Education Modules
These modules allow patients to stay up to date on the news related to their disease and its management. Patients can also obtain advice on proper nutrition and exercise, meditation, sleep management, and other topics. They can also learn about important medical advancements such as new therapies, relevant clinical trials, digital self-monitoring aids, and management techniques aimed at their specific diseases.
It is recommended to have materials reviewed by medical professionals regularly, as well as to prioritize visuals (charts, videos, and presentations) over plain text. Quizzes and games can also serve as a fun self-check tool for users.
Diary
Patients can maintain daily updates on their health, symptoms, therapies, and other factors impacting them in this section. To stay in control of their health, individuals might use the diary to track potential relapse triggers, manage medication, and track symptoms. Surprisingly, this feature can assist patients in taking their medications without being interrupted.
According to 2020 research published in the JMIR, “over 96% of chronic-condition patients managed to maintain optimal treatment adherence over time by using a designated mobile app.”
Integration with Digital Ecosystems
Using the app on its own can be an extremely helpful tool, however, patients often seek advice from their trusted doctors. As a result, in order for patients to make appointments, participate in telehealth sessions, or check their lab results, the appropriate mobile app would need to be integrated with the provider's systems.
The App Bros
Chronic conditions are hard, not only for the patients who live with them but also for healthcare providers. With the advancement of technology, healthcare and a wide variety of apps are bettering the lives of many through mobile integration.
Looking to create your own mobile app? Visit https://www.theappbros.com/ to help turn any iOS and Android app dream into reality.
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