Most mHealth App Users Say Apps Improve Quality of Life

The majority of mobile health application users and medical professionals believe that mobile health apps are beneficial to their quality of life, according to a survey by Research Now, mHealth Intelligence reports.

Survey Findings

For the survey, researchers polled 1,000 mobile health app users and 500 medical professionals.

Overall, the survey found that 96% of surveyed mobile health users and medical professionals said that mobile health apps "improve their quality of life."

Among mobile health app users, the survey found:

• 60% use apps to monitor activity/workouts (Gruessner, mHealth Intelligence, 6/12);
• 53% use apps as motivation to exercise;
• 49% use apps to record calorie intake; and
• 42% use apps to monitor weight loss (Research Now survey, June 2015). 

Among surveyed health care professionals, the survey showed:

• 86% knowledge believe mobile health apps will increase their of their patients' medical conditions;
• 76% believe the apps will help patients with chronic disease management (mHealth Intelligence, 6/12);
• 61% believe the apps will help those who are at a high risk of developing health issues;
• 55% believe the apps could help healthy individuals stay healthy;
• 48% believe the apps could help patients recently discharged from a hospital; and
• 46% believe the apps will improve their relationship with their patients.

In addition, the survey found that just 16% of health care professionals reported that they currently use mobile health apps. However, 46% said they plan on using such apps in the next five years (Research Now survey, June 2015).