University of Manchester led a research study on the use of the smartphones towards improving medical care for patients. The research, published in Rheumatology, looks at a group of 20 patients with long-term health condition, rheumatoid arthritis. It is funded by National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care Great Manchester. It is also funded by Versus Arthritis.
The study provides strong proof that technology when put to right use can greatly benefit the community. It integrated the data acquired from smartphone tech with NHS. That led to both the patients and the clinicians making the best use of their time. Additionally, patients’ experience became more personalized.
Understanding how tech helped study’s subjects
With the use of the app, patients could provide daily inputs. These inputs were then used to create a chart, which was visible at the outpatient visit. This data formed the basis for future consultations and came with big benefits.
To begin with, this data helped doctors see the bigger picture. And, it also allowed for a shared discussion as both sides now had ample information. Secondly, it reduced room for error considerably. It became possible as recalling symptoms and consultation, that was months apart, was now not dependent on memory. And, last but not the least, the study showed how this method can help find unobvious patterns. It also obliterated chances of missing long term trends, something that often hides itself in a symptoms’ fluctuation.
Research Study Impact
The research findings are a boon for 1 in 4 people in the United Kingdom. These are significant for those suffering from long-term ailments but spend little time with the doctor. Therefore, it is an opportunity that can improve management of long term conditions considerably.
