JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Advances in mobile phone technologies coupled with availability of modern wireless networks is beginning to have a marked impact on e- and m-health through the growing array of apps and connected devices. This said limited deployment outside of developed nations will require additional approaches in order to collectively reach the some 8 billion people on earth. Another consideration for development of e- and m-health centered around mobile devices lies in the need for pairing steps, firmware updates and a variety of user-inputs which can increase friction for the patient. An alternate, so called ‘Beyond the Mobile’ approach where medicaments, devices, and health services communicate directly to the cloud offers an attractive means to expand and fully realize our connected health utopia. In addition to offering highly personalized experiences, such approaches could address cost, security, and convenience concerns associated with smartphone based systems, translating to improved engagement and adherence rates with patients. Furthermore, by connecting these so-called Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) instruments through next generation networks, it offers the potential to reach patients with acute needs in non-urban regions of developing nations. Herein we outline how such combined (BTM-LPWAN) approaches could be scalable, offering a means to democratize e- and m-health and contribute to improved patient outcomes globally.