Mobile technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, socialize, make transactions, track our health, and more. The healthcare industry has perhaps made the most significant gains using mobile technology, however. Not only is the mobile health industry predicted to grow to over $11 billion by 2018, but nearly half of doctors utilize mobile technology on a daily basis.

Below are 4 of the latest trends in mHealth:

1. Connected Health for Remote and Self-Managed Care

Today’s medical patients have more options than ever before. According to a report by PwC, mHealth broadens access to patients and fulfills the public’s desire for “anywhere, anytime” monitoring, diagnosis and treatment. Connected health is certainly changing the way we interact with doctors and ask questions. No longer do patients need to speak in-person with a doctor regarding each and every concern. Instead, patients can request video consultations, receive prescriptions through health apps, email doctors directly, and more.

New technology is making healthcare advice from your doctor more readily accessible online and creating opportunities for patients to better manage their own health with the help of apps and wearables. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), roughly 500 million people globally use personal healthcare apps.

2. Healthcare is Becoming a Data-Driven Industry

Not only are mHealth solutions great for patients, they benefit healthcare business too. mHealth is saving the healthcare industry money and making it into a data-driven machine. Patients are sharing data through mobile apps and wearables at all times which can give healthcare providers more insight and lead to better treatment. Costs are reduced, for instance, when patients track symptoms and providers are able to address conditions in early stages before more intensive treatment is needed.

3. Google Glass

Google Glass may have failed as a consumer product, but it is transforming healthcare. The muti-purpose tool is being used as a videoconferencing service, training device, display screen, and more. Perhaps among the most useful functions, Google Glass’ helps surgeons monitor vital signs and other important information while the patient is on the operating table. In this way the surgeon never has to take his/her eyes off of the patient.

4. Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual Reality made headlines with the introduction of Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive. Now, it’s being applied to the healthcare industry to both train employees and treat patients. A surgeon, for example, can practice a procedure using VR and receive both visual and physical feedback. Psychiatrists can use the technology to provide exposure therapies to treat a range of different phobias. It’s also being used in physical therapy to alleviate excruciating pain by overwhelming the senses and pain pathways in the brain.

If you’d like to discuss how we can help you navigate technological advances in the healthcare industry, as ever, get in touch.