1 In 3 Docs Recommend mHealth Apps

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

A Manhattan Research survey finds more than 30 percent of physicians recommend mobile health apps to their patients.

A recent survey has shown that one third of doctors recommend a patient use a health app. According to MobiHealth News, the online study - conducted by Manhattan Research - surveyed more than 3,000 physicians.

In a press release, Manhattan Research goes into more detail, noting that the survey also found, “More than a third of physicians said that they had been evaluated or rewarded based on metrics measuring cost of treatment, patient outcomes or referrals over the past year.”

In addition, two in five physicians agreed that “using digital technology to communicate with patients will improve patient outcomes,” and the same amount reported that they have increased their use of digital tools to communicate with patients over the past year.

Director of Physician Research James Avallone said in a press release, “As we move to an outcomes-based model of healthcare provision in the U.S., remote monitoring and telehealth are going to drive an extension of the point of care. We’re seeing physician attitudes really align with policy.”

The survey also found increases in the use of telemedicine by physicians. iHealth Beat summarizes:

• nearly 25 percent of physicians used secure patient portals to communicate with patients over the past year
• more than 20 percent used secure messaging platforms to communicate with patients
• more than 20 percent used remote patient monitoring

VP of Research Monique Levy said, “There’s a perception out there that the shift in focus to population health isn’t yet on physicians’ radar. This data shows physicians are thinking about patient outcomes and indicates an opportunity for companies that can provide them digital tools to help them meet their targets.”