Report: Mobile is central to patient self-management

As self-management of chronic diseases becomes more prevalent in America, frequent, regular monitoring will grow ever more important. Wireless and mobile technologies likely will be right at the center of the action, suggests a new report from the California HealthCare Foundation.

The study's author, health economist Jane Sarasohn-Kahn, notes that the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that people with mobile broadband Internet access are far more likely than those with only wired connections to seek health information online. "Mobile could be a game changer. But only for those who get in the game," says Pew healthcare specialist Susannah Fox.

The report, "Participatory Health: Online and Mobile Tools Help Chronically Ill Manage Their Care," says that cell phones can help people get in the game. Sarasohn-Kahn cites research showing that medicine and health is the third-fastest-growing category of iPhone apps, trailing only games and travel.

To learn more:
- download the California HealthCare Foundation report