Mobile technology is changing the face of radiology and medicine: how should the industry respond?
Society has exploded into the mobile age with handheld e-readers, tablet PCs and smartphones. People of all ages and backgrounds are using iPads, Androids, Kindles, Blackberrys and Galaxy Tabs for personal and professional reasons. In fact, mobile subscribers worldwide recently topped 5 billion. How does this impact mobile devices in healthcare?
Mobile Device Usage on the Rise In Healthcare
It isn’t surprising, then, that mobile platforms have also found their way into radiology and healthcare. Consider these recent usage and technology statistics:
- Approximately 2 out of 3 doctors now operate a tablet while on the job.
- Over 80% of physicians use a mobile device (tablet or smartphone) at work.
- Usage is popular among radiology residents: 74% own smartphones and 37% own tablets.
- The Apple App Store features an inventory of nearly 14,000 medical applications for patients and clinicians.
Physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals incorporate mobile technology into their everyday routine. The convenience and portability of these devices help with communication, workflow, patient engagement and even diagnosis.
Privacy and Security Concerns
The efficiency of mobile platforms, however, is counterbalanced by various patient privacy and security concerns. Improper usage can trigger costly violations of the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) laws.
In light of these benefits and risks, how should mobile devices in healthcare and radiology be used?
FreedomPACS has uncovered five best practices for utilizing mobile devices in healthcare and radiology.
Up next: Best Practice #1: Understanding the Role of Mobile Platforms in Medicine and Radiology. Don’t want to read it in installments? Download the complete white paper free of charge today!
Further Reading
How HIPAA balances patient privacy with necessary disclosure for quality healthcare (HHS.gov)
Mobile device usage in the medical field and HIPAA (AmericanBar.org)
How the 2009 HITECH Act impacts HIPAA compliance (HHS.gov)