Digital health apps
Digital health applications have proliferated across the healthcare landscape. These apps enhance patient-provider communication, remote patient monitoring, patient engagement, and personalized care. However, numerous barriers inhibit their use, including social determinants of health, such as digital health literacy.
Top Stories
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18 Sep 2024
New screening tool captures digital health readiness
The new screener measures patients' comfort and ability to use digital health tools, which can support personalized interventions to improve virtual healthcare access. Continue Reading
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06 Sep 2024
Mobile health app alleviates anxiety among young adults
A recent study found that a mobile health app providing CBT significantly reduced anxiety in young adults, with high engagement and satisfaction across the study population. Continue Reading
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23 Jul 2024
Digital apps effective stopgap for mental healthcare access challenges
Digital mental health apps can improve depression and anxiety symptoms among patients who are waiting to receive mental healthcare services, new research reveals. Continue Reading
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20 Jun 2024
How stakeholders are preparing for a new era in digital healthcare
Digital healthcare leaders see the need to evolve alongside the fast-changing industry, gleaning insights from failures and adjusting strategy. Continue Reading
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07 Jun 2024
Virtual-first cardiometabolic programs improve clinical outcomes
New research reveals that virtual-first programs improved cardiometabolic health metrics, estimating thousands in cost savings if the improvements are sustained. Continue Reading
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05 Jun 2024
Digital engagement approach lowers healthcare worker anxiety, depression
The digital strategy reminded healthcare workers about the availability of a mental health platform, which helped improve depression and anxiety, a study shows. Continue Reading
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05 Jun 2024
PHTI validates virtual MSK solutions after taking diabetes tools to task
The Peterson Health Technology Institute's latest evaluation shows that virtual MSK solutions drive meaningful clinical improvements and healthcare cost savings. Continue Reading
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28 May 2024
What OSF HealthCare considers when making digital health tech decisions
At ATA Nexus, a leader from the Illinois-based health system detailed its digital health strategy amid evolving virtual care demands and technology options. Continue Reading
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06 May 2024
Can health systems help push digital health development forward?
Health systems are uniquely suited to developing clinically effective digital health tools, but they must first navigate the complexities of technology development. Continue Reading
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29 Apr 2024
Why Phoenix Children’s turned in-house to create and deploy RPM apps
The pediatric hospital’s home-grown apps aim to improve patient experience and clinical outcomes in a population often ignored by digital health companies. Continue Reading
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11 Apr 2024
Digital health tool cuts hospital length of stay for surgery patients
A study shows that the tool enhanced perioperative patient outcomes and boosted satisfaction with surgery by providing access to personalized care services. Continue Reading
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22 Mar 2024
Digital health tools fall short of improving type 2 diabetes outcomes
A new report questions the efficacy of digital health tools for type 2 diabetes, noting minimal clinical benefits and increased spending linked to their use. Continue Reading
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14 Mar 2024
Racial minority IBD patients find mental health apps ‘acceptable’
Minority IBD patients experience high rates of anxiety and depression, but a new study shows the acceptability of using mHealth apps to manage their mental health. Continue Reading
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13 Mar 2024
How a virtual-first approach can boost patient, provider experience
Tufts Medicine launched a virtual-first initiative that offers digital triage and telehealth services, connecting patients to in-person care only when necessary. Continue Reading
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01 Mar 2024
Text Message-Based mHealth Intervention More Effective Later in Day
New research reveals that while a text-based CBT intervention was effective in addressing mental health symptoms, the time messages were sent impacted mood ratings. Continue Reading
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23 Feb 2024
Digital Health Strategies Reduce High BP Among Underserved Groups
Research shows digital health interventions positively impacted hypertension control among vulnerable patients, including low-income and minority race groups. Continue Reading
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22 Feb 2024
New Collaborative Launches to Drive Digital Health Evidence, Adoption
Formed by 14 trade associations, including the ATA, AARP, and AMA, the collaborative aims to advance evidence-based digital health research and technology adoption. Continue Reading
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22 Feb 2024
Developing a New ‘EyePhone’ mHealth App for Stroke Detection
A new eye-tracking smartphone app can help detect strokes with non-specific symptoms, like dizziness, enabling more timely and effective stroke care. Continue Reading
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13 Feb 2024
A Deep Dive into CA’s mHealth Effort to Support Youth Mental Health
California’s latest behavioral healthcare effort brings tools, resources, education, and support to youth where they are most often — on their mobile devices. Continue Reading
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01 Feb 2024
Which Emerging Virtual Care Companies are Top-of-Mind for Health Orgs?
KLAS highlighted six virtual care companies founded in the last decade that are capturing the interest of healthcare organizations in 2024. Continue Reading
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22 Jan 2024
Leveraging an mHealth App to Improve Maternal Outcomes in Michigan
A customized version of a pregnancy app is helping Medicaid-eligible families in Michigan connect to state resources to improve maternal health outcomes. Continue Reading
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17 Jan 2024
A Third of Older Adults Using DTC mHealth Services Do Not Tell PCPs
Most older adults use direct-to-consumer services for prescriptions, but survey results show that a third do not inform their regular PCPs of the new medications. Continue Reading
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28 Dec 2023
Research on Digital Health Stroke Interventions Not Diverse Enough
An analysis shows digital health interventions can improve stroke prevention, but due to a lack of diversity, their efficacy among minority groups is uncertain. Continue Reading
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04 Dec 2023
Shorter Treatment Length Make mHealth App Interventions More Effective
Research supports the efficacy of mHealth apps in treating depression, but certain intervention components, like treatment length, can impact efficacy. Continue Reading
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07 Nov 2023
Studies on Prescription Digital Therapeutics Lack Rigor, Inclusivity
New research shows that the clinical evidence supporting prescription digital therapeutics often does not include critical information, including race and ethnicity. Continue Reading
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03 Nov 2023
Understanding the Role of Chatbots in Virtual Care Delivery
Chatbots are a significant virtual care resource, with use cases ranging from triage to mental healthcare, but there are risks related to their growing use. Continue Reading
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31 Oct 2023
ATA Publishes Principles for Artificial Intelligence Development, Use
The American Telemedicine Association’s AI principles highlight the need for disclosures on data use, evidence underpinning AI tools, and AI best practices. Continue Reading
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23 Oct 2023
Connected Healthcare Strategies to Boost Rural Access, Digital Equity
As healthcare providers expand hybrid care models, they must ensure that connected care efforts benefit underserved populations and boost equitable care. Continue Reading
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12 Oct 2023
Cedars-Sinai Expands Virtual Care Access with New mHealth App
Cedars-Sinai and digital health company K Health have created an app that aims to streamline and expand access to diagnoses and treatment through AI and telehealth. Continue Reading
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02 Oct 2023
mHealth App Fails to Improve Cardiac Rehab Patients' Physical Activity
A study found that an mHealth app providing tailored text messages didn't boost six-month physical activity levels among cardiac rehab patients. Continue Reading
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27 Sep 2023
In a Maturing Digital Health Market, Players Must Adapt Their Game Plan
The market no longer boasts the record-high deals and funding of 2021, leaving digital health players to revise their strategies for navigating the landscape. Continue Reading
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20 Sep 2023
Why an Orthopedic Clinic Opened a Virtual Practice in the Metaverse
The HandSport Surgery Institute aims to boost awareness of its services and reach potential patients through its new practice in the Decentraland metaverse. Continue Reading
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19 Sep 2023
Healthcare Marketplace Releases Patient Engagement Solution Suite
Zocdoc, which connects patients to virtual and in-person care, has launched a free suite of digital tools aimed at improving patient engagement and activation. Continue Reading
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03 Aug 2023
How Mount Sinai is Boosting the Digital Healthcare Experience
The health system recently launched three new digital tools to support care navigation, triage, and empower patients seeking healthcare. Continue Reading
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31 Jul 2023
Key Technologies in the Digital Therapeutics Arena
Various types of technology enable the delivery of digital therapeutic interventions, including mHealth apps, wearables, and artificial intelligence. Continue Reading
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25 Jul 2023
Digital Therapeutics Provide Benefits but Require Further Research
While digital therapeutics can overcome common care barriers, an assessment of abilities and reimbursement efforts should be considered. Continue Reading
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21 Jul 2023
Exploring Digital Health Funding Strategies at Cleveland Clinic, UPMC
Health system venture fund leaders discussed their investment strategy, how it changed during the pandemic, and their plans for the post-PHE era. Continue Reading
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19 Jul 2023
Nonprofit Organization Evaluates Digital Healthcare Technologies
A nonprofit organization launched a digital health program to improve health and lower costs through independent evaluations. Continue Reading
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17 Jul 2023
App-Based Postoperative Monitoring Improves Cancer Patient Recovery
New research indicates that an app-based monitoring tool for postoperative oncologic patients was not inferior to in-person follow-up. Continue Reading
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13 Jul 2023
Why a New Provider Collaborative is Going All-in on Hybrid Care
Caire Collaborative aims to engage health systems to co-design hybrid care models and virtual care solutions to ease numerous burdens, including burnout. Continue Reading
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12 Jul 2023
Studies on mHealth Apps Often Neglect Relevant Details
New research indicates that studies on app-based mHealth interventions often leave out important data, limiting their practicality. Continue Reading
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11 Jul 2023
Customizable App Capabilities Did Not Enhance Musculoskeletal Care
Compared to usual care with and without web-based self-management support, the effects of a custom AI-based app were deemed insignificant. Continue Reading
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19 Jun 2023
New Digital Therapeutics Toolkit Aims to Support Adoption
The Digital Therapeutics Alliance released a set of resources to support healthcare leaders in implementing software-based medical care. Continue Reading
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13 Jun 2023
Yale Center Aims to Improve Pediatrics with Immersive Technologies
Yale School of Medicine is launching a new center that intends to use immersive technologies, such as virtual reality, to enhance pediatric care. Continue Reading
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07 Jun 2023
Diabetes Patients Request Ease-of-Use Among Mobile App Features
New research indicates that features like ease of use and insulin dosage guidance would improve usage rates of diabetes self-management applications. Continue Reading
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02 Jun 2023
Researchers Propose New Digital Health Assessment Framework
A newly proposed framework aims to enable rapid assessments of digital health intervention evidence and help solutions providers generate evidence to support the adoption of these tools. Continue Reading
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03 May 2023
7 Projects to Develop New Digital Health Applications Gain Funding
Seven seed grants from the University of Utah Health's Digital Health Initiative aim to support the development of digital health applications in clinical practices. Continue Reading
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27 Apr 2023
Partnership to Develop Digital Pain Management Programs
A new collaboration involving the MetroHealth System and Fern Health aims to enhance patient care through the development of comprehensive digital pain management programs. Continue Reading
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20 Apr 2023
KLAS: Amwell, Teladoc Health, Caregility Most Chosen Vendors
Based on Oracle Health integration, market maturity, and technology strength, Amwell, Teladoc Health, and Caregility came out on top in healthcare organizations' purchase decisions, according to KLAS. Continue Reading
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13 Apr 2023
New App Aims to Improve Recognition, Treatment of Child Abuse
An app developed by Lurie Children's is designed to analyze bruises to determine those that may be indicators of child abuse and require further attention. Continue Reading
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11 Apr 2023
Digital Therapeutics Provider Files for Bankruptcy, Cuts 92% of Workforce
Pear Therapeutics has filed for bankruptcy, stating that it is looking for a buyer for the business or its software-based therapeutics for substance use disorder, opioid use disorder, and insomnia. Continue Reading
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04 Apr 2023
Leveraging a Digital Health App to Address Anemia, Maternal Health
A startup is creating a smartphone app that can measure blood hemoglobin, enabling early detection and treatment of various conditions, such as anemia, which is common in the postpartum period. Continue Reading
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16 Mar 2023
Partnership to Support Healthcare Access for Black Mothers Through App
A collaboration between two organizations aims to promote healthcare access and provide postpartum assistance for Black mothers through a smartphone app. Continue Reading
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27 Feb 2023
Meet the ATA's 12 Telehealth Innovators Challenge Finalists
The 12 virtual care companies, selected out of a group of 40, will compete in the second annual Telehealth Innovators Challenge taking place at the ATA2023 conference in March. Continue Reading
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23 Feb 2023
Over a Third of Adults Use Health Apps, Wearables in 2023, Up From 2018
According to new survey results, about 40 percent and 35 percent of adults are using health apps and wearables, respectively, with most using the technologies at least once a day. Continue Reading
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22 Feb 2023
New AI-Based App Aims to Prevent Suicides Among Veterans
An artificial intelligence-based app that aims to support veterans' mental health and curb suicides has received financial support from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Continue Reading
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07 Feb 2023
Smartphone App Can Support Stroke Symptom Detection
New research describes a machine learning-based smartphone application that can help people recognize stroke symptoms in real time. Continue Reading
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25 Jan 2023
CA Medicaid Members Gain Access to Digital Chronic Care Program
A California-based health plan is providing its Medicaid beneficiaries with access to a digital app-based program that aims to provide customized chronic care. Continue Reading
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24 Jan 2023
Michigan to Offer Pregnancy App to Medicaid Beneficiaries
The state of Michigan is offering pregnant and postpartum residents access to an app that provides information on fetal development and personalized health recommendations. Continue Reading
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09 Jan 2023
New mHealth Intervention Aims to Curb Smoking Among Black HIV Patients
University of Houston researchers have launched a research project to study whether an mHealth app intervention can help Black patients with HIV quit smoking. Continue Reading
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23 Dec 2022
Smartphone Intervention Did Not Lower Relapse Risk for Bipolar Disorder
New research found that a smartphone-based intervention did not significantly improve the time to relapse among bipolar disorder patients. Continue Reading
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08 Dec 2022
Researchers Create mHealth Technology to Track Sleep Apnea Treatment Progress
Chicago-based researchers have developed an mhealth application that can track individualized patient needs and engagement in methods for treating sleep apnea. Continue Reading
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07 Nov 2022
Cancer Center to Use mHealth App to Support Timely Access to Care
Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio will leverage an mHealth application in an effort to improve health equity and timeliness of care access for cancer patients. Continue Reading
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03 Nov 2022
How Healthcare Providers, Payers Are Connecting Patients to Care
At the Connected Health Virtual Summit, Banner Health and UnitedHealthcare leaders offered a glimpse into the technologies and care delivery models they use to connect patients to healthcare. Continue Reading
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01 Nov 2022
Women With Preeclampsia Can Benefit From Targeted App-Based Intervention
New research showed that the apps used to treat women with severe preeclampsia are well-received if they target specific factors like fat and sugar intake. Continue Reading
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14 Sep 2022
Partnership Aims to Enhance Patient Access to Digital Therapeutics
A new collaboration between Trinity Health and Orexo US aims to increase patient access to digital therapeutics to treat depression and alcohol abuse in North Dakota and Montana. Continue Reading
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23 Aug 2022
mHealth App Utilization Did Not Improve Self-Measured Blood Pressure
New research shows that using an app system to track self-measured blood pressure is not more efficient than standard methods. Continue Reading
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16 Aug 2022
Using mHealth Apps for Diabetes, Chronic Disease Self-Management
The mHealth app facilitated chronic disease self-management lowered HbA1c levels. Continue Reading
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09 Aug 2022
Utah Payer to Cover Prescription Digital Therapeutic for Opioid Use Disorder
SelectHealth has added Pear Therapeutics' reSET-O as a covered benefit for its fully insured commercial members who require treatment for opioid use disorders. Continue Reading
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27 Jul 2022
PCORI Approves Millions in Funding for Virtual Chronic, Acute Care Research
Twenty-six studies dedicated to research on chronic and acute conditions will receive a total of $258 million from PCORI, including several that involve the use of virtual care. Continue Reading
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27 Jul 2022
Smartphone App Can Detect Skin Cancer Among Older People
Stanford Health researchers found that a smartphone app can help providers detect skin cancer among older people. Continue Reading
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20 Jul 2022
App Shows Potential for Improving Heart Health Among Black People
New research shows that a smartphone app containing resources, such as culturally tailored education modules, can help improve heart health among African Americans. Continue Reading
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06 Jul 2022
NIH Grant to Fund Study on mHealth App for Anxiety, Depression
Researchers created a mobile app to help users manage mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic through symptom monitoring and education. Continue Reading
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30 Jun 2022
AHRQ Offers Tips for Picking Mental Health mHealth Apps
Providers, patients, and payers will benefit from an AHRQ brief that evaluates mental health mHealth apps. Continue Reading
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20 Jun 2022
Smartphone-Based Tympanometry System Can Test Ear Function
Researchers determined that a smartphone-based tympanometry system can evaluate middle ear function on par with standard tympanometry systems. Continue Reading
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15 Jun 2022
FDA Approves Smartwatch-Based Solution to Monitor Parkinson’s Disease
Following approval from the FDA, Rune Labs’ StrivePD Ecosystem, which collects patient data via the Apple Watch, can be used to monitor Parkinson’s disease. Continue Reading
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23 May 2022
New mHealth App Aims to Support Patients with Opioid Use Disorder
A new smartphone application developed by the University of Virginia Health provides access to remote care for patients struggling with opioid use disorder. Continue Reading
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20 May 2022
What Are Digital Therapeutics and Their Use Cases?
Over the past decade, a new category of medicine has emerged that delivers evidence-backed treatment through software to combat various conditions, including diabetes, pain, and PTSD. Continue Reading
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13 May 2022
Key Features of mHealth Apps & Trends in Use
With hundreds of thousands of mHealth apps on the market, no two are the same, but there are certain characteristics that make these tools especially valuable to healthcare consumers. Continue Reading
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03 May 2022
ATA, Others Release Digital Health App Assessment Framework
In collaboration with its partners, the American Telemedicine Association has released an open framework to help clinicians and patients select and adopt high-quality digital health tools. Continue Reading
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20 Apr 2022
Rating System for Health-Related Smartphone Apps May Be Beneficial
A new study shows that a rating system that assesses health-related smartphone applications can help clinicians make focused decisions about integrating an app into clinical treatment. Continue Reading
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18 Apr 2022
UT Health San Antonio to Expand Access to Substance Use Disorder Support App
Through an expanded partnership, Texans who receive care at UT Health's Be Well Texas Clinic, including the uninsured, will gain access to the WEconnect Recovery app. Continue Reading
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15 Mar 2022
mHealth App Doubled Screenings at Family, Internal Medicine Practices
The use of self-administered screening via tablet devices doubled the detection of urgent concerns in patients, like depression or fall risk, a new study shows. Continue Reading
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01 Mar 2022
UNC Gets $2.8M to Study Impact of Personalized Messaging on Weight Loss
The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health has received millions in new funding from the National Institutes of Health to study how personalized messaging can help those aiming to lose weight. Continue Reading
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23 Feb 2022
Highmark Launches Virtual Type 2 Diabetes Care Program
The program will be run in partnership with Onduo, a Verily company, and aims to tighten blood glucose control, among other factors, for Highmark plan members with type 2 diabetes. Continue Reading
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15 Feb 2022
Low Proportion of Older Adults Are Using Health Apps
Despite older adults having the most potential to benefit from health apps, a new study reveals that only 28 percent of this population are currently using at least one of these apps. Continue Reading
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14 Feb 2022
Key Elements of Top Mobile Patient Portal Apps
Patient portal applications have become an integral part of the digital transformation of healthcare in America, and certain features, like scheduling and bill payment, are a must-have. Continue Reading
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04 Feb 2022
How Digital Therapeutics Will Evolve in 2022 and Beyond
The digital therapeutics arena has been steadily gaining ground, backed by growing clinical evidence, and leaders in the space believe that it will become a new standard of care. Continue Reading
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20 Jan 2022
WVU Medicine to Deploy Virtual Diabetes Care App for Employees
WVU Medicine, the largest private employer in West Virginia, is offering the app to its employees with the aim of improving type 2 diabetes outcomes and, potentially, reversing the condition. Continue Reading
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18 Jan 2022
$2.5M Grant to Support mHealth Asthma Interventions for Black Americans
Michigan researchers will use the National Institutes of Health grant to develop a mobile program focusing on improving asthma control among young Black adults. Continue Reading
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30 Dec 2021
NC Health System Launches New Digital Care Access Tools
Novant Health has unveiled virtual assistant and physician matcher tools that can connect healthcare consumers to clinical support and medical information. Continue Reading
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15 Dec 2021
Digital Interventions May Aid in Reducing Depression Symptoms
Participation in digital interventions such as online modules and lessons led to a reduction in depression symptoms as compared with no treatment at all, a new study shows. Continue Reading
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01 Nov 2021
mHealth App Improves Patient-Provider Communication During Pregnancy
An mHealth app from UPMC can help improve patient-provider communication about preeclampsia and low-dose aspirin use in pregnant people. Continue Reading
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26 Oct 2021
Amazon Enhances Alexa for mHealth Platforms in Hospitals, Senior Homes
Amazon has beefed up Alexa's capabilities to help health systems and senior living facilities improve care management and coordination. Continue Reading
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22 Oct 2021
Digital Therapeutics Stakes its Claim to the Fast Growing mHealth Marketplace
The Consumer Technology Association has unveiled standards for digital therapeutics, an emerging segment of the mHealth market that focuses on software products that either act as a medical intervention or guide the delivery of a medical intervention. Continue Reading
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21 Oct 2021
DiMe, FDA, Amazon Eye Best Practices for Sensors in mHealth Devices
The Digital Medicine Society is spearheading a new program aimed at creating standards for sensors in mHealth devices, including those used in remote patient monitoring programs. Continue Reading
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20 Oct 2021
AtlantiCare Adapts to Consumer Healthcare With a Digital Directory
The New Jersey-based health system has upgraded its virtual front door to help consumers connect with care providers and other resources - including telehealth options and scheduling. Continue Reading
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11 Oct 2021
HHS Launches Spanish Version of mHealth App, Boosts Care Access for Latinos
The mHealth app will allow patients to ask questions, take notes during appointments, and view resources about their health in Spanish. Continue Reading
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24 Sep 2021
Biogen Joins UCLA's mHealth Project to Gather Cognitive Data From Devices
Biogen, Apple and UCLA are joining forces in a program that tracks data from mHealth devices like smartwatches and smartphones to identify depression and early signs of cognitive decline. Continue Reading
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22 Sep 2021
Arizona Hospitals Use mHealth to Connect With Patients in the ED
Dignity Health's Arizona hospitals are using an mHealth platform that allows them to communicate with ED patients and their families, offering updates and other resources and reducing ED wait times and traffic. Continue Reading
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16 Sep 2021
FTC Emphasizes Security Standards for mHealth Apps, Devices
The Federal Trade Commission has issued a policy statement re-emphasizing that mHealth apps and devices must conform with the Health Breach Notification Rule. Continue Reading
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09 Sep 2021
Mount Sinai Launches New mHealth App for Patient Data Access
The health system is expanding its current patient portal to offer a new mHealth app to simplify and improve patient data access. Continue Reading