Smartphone apps now playing doctor
By Laura Ruane - USA TodayWe don't use our smartphones for talking as much as we once did, but we are and will increasingly use them to detect and monitor health risks, from ear infections to E. coli bacteria in drinking water, industry experts say.
Health app developers initially focused on
consumer diet and exercise, said Brian Dolan, editor of Boston-based
MobiHealthNews.com, which tracks advances in mobile health and medical
technology. "Now we're seeing them look into more serious health
conditions where there's a real need for innovation."
Glen
Stream, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, sees
an "explosion" of mobile medical apps, and gives the trend a qualified
endorsement. He's an "iPhone guy" who uses about 20 medical or
health-oriented apps.
