We’ve mentioned a few health related apps and peripherals in the past such as an ECG and a blood pressure monitor for your iDevice, but according to the Daily Telegraph, doctors in the UK are now being urged to prescribe smartphone apps to their patients in an attempt to reduce visits to health centers, ultimately putting the power of knowledge in the hands of the patient.
Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary, has compiled a dossier of approximately 500 tools and apps which will be recommended by the National Health Service…
Mr Lansley goes on to say:
So many people use apps every day to keep up with their friends, with the news, find out when the next bus will turn up or which train to catch. I want to make using apps to track blood pressure, to find the nearest source of support when you need it and to get practical help in staying healthy the norm. With more information at their fingertips, patients can truly be in the driving seat.
Doctors will be asked by the NHS to recommend apps to their patients that are relatively cheap or free and that can assist in the well-being of the patient. Just a few of the apps that have made it into the list include one for food allergy sufferers that scan bar codes and warn of any potentially harmful ingredients and a new diabetes app that gives people reminders of when to check blood sugar levels and take medication.
Although the apps are not disclosed in the article, a quick look in the App Store for the search terms “food allergy bar code” and “Diabetes” comes up with quite a comprehensive list of apps that would certainly accomplish the goals outlined.
Do you currently use any apps that assist you where your health is concerned?