2. Health App
A computerized interface that a person consciously uses
to promote health of one or more people.
Varieties of apps
● Purpose (communication, data access or analytics, sensing)
● Platform (workstation, laptop, tablet, smartphone, watch, dumbphone, wearables,
sensors and other devices)
● Channel (visual, touch, text, voice)
● User (patients and populations, families, health care teams, researchers, regulators)
3. Advantages of Mobile Phones
● Prevalence of mobile phones spans
socioeconomic gaps.
● Adapting to each person’s daily workflows,
apps can be used when convenient.
● Apps and notifications can provide just in
time behavioral triggers such as reminders
or education.
● Mobile is about the individual. Data can be
personalized to the location, language, and
culture of each person
4. Addressing Health Care Disparities
Socioeconomic barriers to health How health apps can help
Limited access to quality, affordable, and
convenient care providers
Personalized matching of care providers and insurance
options;
Care coordination and navigation
Limited ability to take time off work
Health apps can replace certain face-to-face encounters
with providersLimited transportation options
Limited education about health issues, and
misinformation
Personalized, streamlined, and timely information about
risks and prevention behaviors
Neighborhood effects: negative influences
and lack of positive resources such as
recreation and healthy, affordable food
Help navigating neighborhood risks and opportunities;
Civic empowerment tools to promote community change
Communication barriers such as low literacy
and cultural gaps
Translating doctor-speak into appropriate language,
interactive components, audio, and video
