Canada Easing Into MHealth Trend

While Canada has used telemedicine to reach patients in isolated northern communities for more than 40 years, the health care system is taking a conservative approach to the implementation of virtual medical care.

MHealth (or mobile health) is defined as the practice of medicine and public health supported by mobile devices such as cell phones, tablets and computers. The growing field not only has great potential for isolated populations, it has recently been used in developing countries to provide quality health care and training.

It is estimated that 500 million patients will be using health-related smartphone apps this year alone. Mobile devices can be used to collect data, deliver healthcare information to doctors, nurses, researchers and patients as well as monitor and care for health in real-time.

Canadians use their mobile devices to access banking information, shop, read and learn but most people still want a face to face with their doctor for even small questions. With a growing aging population, mobile medicine is becoming more practical for practitioners to monitor their patients without requiring a personal visit for routine care. Especially during harsh winter conditions and for homebound elderly patients, virtual medicine may be a welcome alternative.

It is estimated by the American Telemedicine Association that a quarter of all care will be delivered virtually by the end of the decade. In order to meet demands, the healthcare system will need to undergo a huge restructuring which is already underway with billing changes recently made in Ontario to create codes for tele-consultations in dermatology and ophthalmology.

According to a report in the Financial Post in 2014, there are growing innovations in health care monitoring through smartphones and cloud technology. Two examples with potential include SeamlessMD, a app which offers personalized surgery recovery instructions. The feedback provided by the app allows patients to manage minor problems and hopefully avoid complications.

A second entrepreneurial health care product, Figure 1, is being called “Instagram for Doctors”. The app allows medical professionals and students to invite virtual second opinions through a health care community social media. Patients’ privacy in ensured while verified medical professionals “crowd source” opinions on everything from wounds and rashes to snakebites and tumours.

In Ontario, more information about telehomecare and personal videoconferencing can be found at https://otn.ca.en or talk with your health care provider about MHeath options in your community.