Supporting Patients’ Use of Their Smartphones for mHealth

Brent I. Fox, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

In the last issue, we focused on pharmacists’ role as collaborators with patients to maximize health information technology innovations. Specifically, we explored mobile health (mHealth) apps, including approaches to evaluate apps for use by patients. We also explored specific characteristics that are critical to helping patients make desired behavior change. The relevance of these characteristics to mHealth apps was discussed, along with opportunities for pharmacists to support their patients’ use of these tools.

mHealth Requires Proficiency with Smartphones And Apps

From reviewing that article, however, it is apparent that a certain level of proficiency with smartphones and apps is assumed to be present as a baseline before mHealth apps are used. Data regarding the digital divide between older and younger adults demonstrates lower rates of internet and smartphone adoption among older adults.

Many ComputerTalk readers likely feel this is a logical finding. B…