Meet an Informaticist: Jody Engel, MA, RD

January 09, 2012
RESOURCE TYPE
Tools & Topics
FILE TYPE
Link
DATE ADDED
January 9, 2012
AUTHOR(S)
mHIMSS
What are you currently working on to drive improvements in health via mobile technology?
I lead the effort to design, develop, and maintain a free mobile app for consumers called MyDS, short for My Dietary Supplements, from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. MyDS gives consumers an easy way to track the dietary supplements, over-the-counter products, and prescription medications that they are taking. It is hoped that MyDS will help consumers communicate more accurately with their healthcare providers about their dietary supplements and medications to better alleviate the risk for interactions. MyDS also includes consumer-focused fact sheets on dietary supplements so the public can have access to this information anytime anywhere.
 
What is the greatest potential improvement mHealth provides in the delivery of care? Any specifics on long-term engagement that leads to sustained behavior modification and improved patient outcomes would be great.
One of the greatest potential improvements that mHealth provides is the increased communication and access between healthcare providers and their patients. No longer do you have to wait for an appointment to ask a simple question or travel to a provider’s location; this has even greater implications for the rural patient who doesn’t live near a healthcare facility. Health information can be shared more accurately and easily, questions can be answered more quickly, and compliance can be measured and monitored.
 
Can you highlight any current trends around consumer engagement in health and/or chronic disease management?
Many apps today are engaging consumers by employing innovative gaming strategies to make improving one’s health more fun and exciting. These apps award the user with badges or points as they reach goals or milestones. These interactive techniques can increase compliance, offer motivation and encouragement for the patient to improve their health, and provide health education with an enjoyable and entertaining approach.
 
How are clinicians communicating, instructing, inspiring or changing behaviors through mobile apps and technology?
Clinicians are now better able to communicate with their patients. They can provide health information and educate their patients with reference apps. They can motivate their patients to follow their recommendations with apps that track their progress and offer rewards for reaching a new goal. They can provide immediate feedback to a question or concern that their patient may have. Mobile technology allows the clinician to put reliable information in the hands of the people who can use it, when and where they need it, so they can make better informed decisions about their health.