Mobile Devices as a Resource in Gathering Health Data: The Role of Mobile Devices in the Improvement of Global Health

Mobile technology enables the generation and collection of previously unobtainable amounts of data. This data is becoming a powerful tool in the delivery of healthcare. Both internal devices sensors and externally connected sensors are used to collect measures, which are then aggregated, into useable information. Current trends in mobile technology, such as cloud computing and external storage make such computationally heavy applications accessible on mobile devices. These applications serve many purposes, including facilitating communication between patient and provider, remotely monitoring patients and measuring population health objectives, such as disease-trends. Collected data supports both knowledge-based decision-making and evidence-based practice which aim to improve care by using collected information to make informed decisions about healthcare services at the population and individual level respectively. Mobile technology also supports global health objectives such as care coordination, cost containment and equity of care delivery. As the accessibility and abilities of mobile technology continues to increase, mobile technology can be expected to become increasingly influential in shaping the way healthcare is delivered.