For many patients, keeping track of medical records proves to be quite difficult. Even worse, is attempting to trace medical reports. The health care system leaves plenty to be desired, with doctors that capitalise on medical aid, laboratories which are less than helpful and endless waiting that could drive even a saint to insanity!
Finally, there’s a light at the end of the Tunnel. Brought to you by Apple, the Health Records feature, an aspect of the Health App, has come to our rescue. This new addition underscores Apple’s investment in the health world.
This idea stems from an approach the encourages fast and easy access to medical data, similar to what consumers have become accustomed to with financial and personal information.
Through the use of Health Records, information will be transmitted electronically from participating provider to the mobile devices of patients. It is necessarily to note that the users do have to opt in for the service through the app, and once this is done, data can be accessed and scrolled through. This data will be updated as information changes and the users will receive notification of this.
What can the Health Records feature store?
Health history, immunization records, allergies, prescription drug lists and even test results.
The focus of this is an attempt at improving the patient experience, helping them to feel empowered and aware. Patients should be able to own their information. It should be as simple as checking your email inbox. This offering from Apple has the advantage of integrated information from multiple providers, proving to assist in cases where doctors may not be in the same hospital.
The Apple devices work together help you. The latest version of the Apple watch can be used as a continuous heart rate monitor, which would prove to be useful in the treatment of cardic conditions.
Security is important, and confidentiality is paramount, especially in health care. Apple has seen to this, ensuring that all data that is stored in the app will be encrypted and password protected.
Attempted by Google a decade ago, this course of action is much more workable at this point in time, with a fair amount of the population possessing mobile devices.
In an emergency, it would be much easier to scroll through your phone than to be administered the incorrect treatment because you can’t remember the name of the medicine you’ve taken recently…
