Prescription for Wireless Healthcare

Posted: 12/14/09 by Mobile Future Team

With the exception of reducing the Digital Divide, probably the greatest social benefit from wireless technology is its potential to improve access to more affordable healthcare.  We've blogged a lot about this (see here, here and here) and now thanks to Venuri Siriwardane at the Newark Star-Ledger, there's even more evidence.

As an example, Siriwardane cites fuzzy bedroom slippers with pressure sensors in the soles which wirelessly transmit movement data, including information that the wearer may be more likely to fall. 

Of greater potential benefit, researchers are pouring research funding into the development of cost-effective wireless audio and video consultation services so doctors may interact remotely with patients in real time.

 The reason for this is not hard to discern:

Remote patient monitoring alone can generate between 20 percent to 40 percent in savings, said Chris Wasden, managing director of health industries strategy and innovation at PricewaterhouseCoopers....  Wasden [explained] that telehealth is much more common in developing countries such as India, where cell phones enable people to receive health care in remote areas that once lacked access to modern medicine. "They've already developed the ability to deliver mobile health care to their people, but we're behind the times on that."

Better healthcare.  More affordable access.  That's the mobile future.