Introduction to mHealth

Abstract

This chapter introduces the field of mHealth, which is concerned with the use of mobile applications or “apps” for the use of health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management. The chapter begins by providing an overview of health apps and what they are used for, demonstrating the wide array of aims and purposes that apps can be applied to. Important terminology, including “eHealth”, “telehealth”/“telemedicine”, and “health informatics” are introduced. Following on from these definitions, we discuss the importance of health apps in light of rising demands and pressures on healthcare systems worldwide. The chapter uses case studies to explore different aims and objectives of health apps, including health promotion and prevention, disease management, and remote access to treatment. We then outline common features of health apps, using screenshots of existing apps to illustrate how these can be implemented. Finally, the chapter reviews advantages and benefits as well as disadvantages and limitations of health apps that should be considered when disseminating health interventions via apps.