Using Mobile Technology to Support the Health Sector

Using mobile technology has several advantages for the health care industry. These include ease of use, the ability to enhance learning, and the ability to reduce the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

3G

Generally, a 3G network is characterized by faster data transfer rates, and faster access to applications, video chatting, and internet connectivity. It also allows for mobile telephony and video conferencing on the move. It allows for instant messaging and email with multimedia attachments.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defines third generation mobile telephony standards, which include faster data rates, more bandwidth, and a better spectral efficiency. The ITU has not specified what types of modes qualify as 3G.

Among the first countries to auction 3G licences was the United Kingdom, followed by Germany. Prices vary widely from country to country. In Germany, the licences were sold at minimum bid price. The highest scoring applicants were awarded licences. The fees ranged from EUR 615 per capita in Germany to EUR 95 per capita in Denmark.

Ease of use

During the last two decades, mobile technology has come a long way. Today, it can do everything from allowing users to catch up on entertainment from home to providing safety in case of an accident.

For example, smartphones enable families to communicate and keep up with each other while on the go. Bankers also use mobile technology to manage their finances.

One of the major goals of a design team is to make the user interface as simple and functional as possible. It’s important to note that the best mobile device for a specific user may not be the most cost effective option.

One of the most important aspects of mobile technology is the time it takes to use the device. The time it takes to perform a particular task will influence the overall design of the device.

Enhance learning

Whether it is an iPad, a smartphone, or a laptop, mobile technology has the power to enhance learning. Whether it is enhancing formative assessment, enabling a more personalized learning experience, or connecting learning information between real and virtual environments, mobile technology can enhance learning.

One of the more interesting uses of mobile technology in education is to provide access to course material. A mobile learning support system can be installed on a mobile phone to display and access course materials. The system utilizes GPS technology to identify course material located near the user’s location.

Another interesting use of mobile technology in education is to facilitate access to online information sources. Mobile phones can display 2D barcodes to help students access information online. The 2D barcodes can be located by GPS technology. This can improve the efficacy of online information sources and eliminate some of the text input challenges associated with using a laptop or other desktop computer.

Reduce the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases

Almost half the deaths worldwide are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are a growing health problem affecting low and middle income countries (LMICs) at a faster rate than communicable diseases. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a major driver of mortality is NCDs. The proportion of deaths attributable to NCD risk factors has risen over the past two decades.

The use of mobile technology in health care is a promising strategy to combat NCDs. However, most mHealth interventions are still at pilot projects. The lack of resources has hindered the development of infrastructure for mHealth services in LMICs. In addition, most of these interventions fail to scale up to entire countries. Several key factors must be explored before scale-up can take place.

Firstly, there is a need to develop better estimates of local costs. This could help to inform non-communicable disease initiatives in SSA. Secondly, there is a need to build the trust and confidence of healthcare providers. In many cases, primary care providers can fill in the gaps where more highly trained professionals are lacking. They can also be rapidly trained.

Support the health sector at all levels of care

Using mobile technology to support the health sector at all levels of care is becoming increasingly important. It offers a variety of benefits to both providers and patients.

Using telemedicine, patients can receive care from a trained health care worker, and this allows for better continuity of care. Another benefit is that patients can receive care at home, which can reduce costs and hospital visits.

Mobile technology can also help patients manage their health outside of the clinical setting. Patients can use their mobile phone to track their health, record their health, and stay aware of their health.

Mobile technology has played a key role in providing care during the coronavirus pandemic. This was largely due to the widespread use of smartphones, which enabled contact tracing, symptom monitoring, and information provision.