Physicians: Mobile Devices Expedite Decision Making

Two thirds of physicians say they are using personal devices for mobile health solutions that aren't connected to their practice or hospital IT systems, but nearly a third said their hospital or practice leaders will not support the use of mobile health devices.

As for patients, 40% would be willing to pay for a remote monitoring device that sends health information to their doctors, according to a new online survey and report by PricewaterhouseCoopers' Health Research Institute.

The findings of the survey, published in a report titled Healthcare Unwired were presented this week by PricewaterhouseCoopers at the mHealth Initiative 2nd International mHealth Conference in San Diego. Physicians' interest in mobile technologies reflects the growing market for remote and mobile health applications and business opportunities for organizations using consumer technologies to support preventative, acute, and chronic care, PWC said.

Two thousand consumers and 1,000 physicians regarding their use and preferences for remote and mobile health services and devices.

Of the physicians questioned for the survey: