JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Long-term health conditions and multimorbidity are increasing globally placing an unsustainable pressure on healthcare systems. Mobile health technologies, or mHealth, enable the collection of patient-generated health data outside clinical settings, offering the potential to support personalised care and inform clinical decision-making. While mHealth is increasingly used in managing chronic disease, its influence on healthcare workflows and clinicals practices remains unclear.

Objective:

To explore how patient generated mHealth data influences clinical decision-making and healthcare management for adults with long-term conditions in outpatient settings.

Methods:

A narrative scoping review was conducted on studies published between 2014-2023 focusing on the use of patient generated mHealth data within long term conditions. A total of 16 studies, including primary research and literature reviews were analysed. Selected manuscripts explored the integration of mHealth data into clinical workflows, the influence on healthcare decisions, and the patient-provider relationship. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries with a focus on conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

Results:

mHealth data can improve patient-centred care and facilitate proactive holistic care, with data-informed consultations leading to more personalised treatment plans aligned with patient needs. Alternativity, in some instances, mHealth data was shown to reinforce medical agendas removing agency from patients. There is also a gap between the intended use of the data and its implementation in clinical practice. Professional scepticism, difficulties in integrating data into Electronic Health Record systems, and concerns about data accuracy are contemporary concerns. Most studies focused on feasibility rather than long-term outcomes, with limited evidence on the clinical and economic impacts of mHealth.

Conclusions:

mHealth data has the potential to enhance clinical decision-making and person-centred practices. However, integration into routine practice is hindered by technological challenges, professional hesitancy, and a lack of standardisation. Future research should prioritise supporting integration, improve data presentation, and evaluate the long-term effects on clinical workflows and healthcare resource utilisation. Addressing these barriers and establishing clear policy frameworks will be crucial for realising the full potential of mHealth in healthcare delivery.