What is the role of mobile health (mHealth) applications in patient management?

Mobile health (mHealth) applications primarily serve to empower patients in self-management and monitoring of their health conditions. These digital tools provide individuals with resources and functionalities that help them track their health metrics, manage chronic diseases, and adhere to treatment plans. By allowing patients to monitor their own health indicators, such as blood pressure, glucose levels, or medication adherence, mHealth apps facilitate a more active role in their healthcare journey.

The use of mHealth applications enables patients to gain insights into their health data, set health goals, and receive reminders for medication or appointments. This empowerment promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their health, which can lead to better health outcomes and increased engagement with healthcare providers.

Other options, while they may address different aspects of healthcare or financial management, do not capture the core purpose of mHealth applications as effectively. For instance, mHealth does not primarily serve as a replacement for traditional healthcare visits, but rather complements and enhances the existing healthcare model. Similarly, providing financial advice or connecting patients with financial sponsors falls outside the typical functions of mHealth applications, which focus more on health tracking and management rather than financial aspects of healthcare.