Medical apps like diabetes or high blood pressure diaries are becoming increasingly popular with smartphone users. There are many available choices out there but they are not always clear. Added to this is the question of how the data collected by the apps can be sensibly incorporated into treatment.
Dr. Becker, telemedicine or medical app? Which do you prefer as a physician? Stefan Becker: I don’t ask myself this question since you can use a medical app for telemedicine or just for documentation purposes for instance. What’s actually more important is the context and specific purpose of a device and compliance with the applicable data protection laws. What’s more, the user – physician or patient – needs to benefit from an application. The platform is secondary.
Patients typically use apps when they are alone at home. Not everyone is able to operate them; older patients, in particular, have a hard time. Do you still see room for improvement in this case?
Becker: So far, smartphone applications have both strengths and weaknesses since there is no integrated approach yet that considers all of the needs of individuals. To date, there is no one specific app that fits all chronically ill or other patients. Crucial to success – especially in the case of older patients – is the integration of this technology into the treatment and to instruct the patients accordingly. ...
Read the complete interview at MEDICA-tradefair.com!