Mobile Solutions, From Start to Finish

With the increasing number of mobile apps available in the Google Play, Apple and other marketplaces, security is becoming an increasing concern. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is looking to address this fear through the development of a guide to test third-party apps. 

The NIST has drafted a set of recommendations, titled “Technical Considerations for Vetting 3rd Party Mobile Applications” and is looking to the industry for feedback according to PC World Australia.  This government agency is looking to ensure the security of these apps and prevent vulnerabilities. 

These recommendations are comprised of tests that enable those in charge of security to identify and understand vulnerabilities prior to approval for use.  Upon completion, this document will provide businesses with a security guide – complete with the most common vulnerabilities found Android and iOS.

Furthermore, this report will provide information on undesirable behavior, life cycle management and examples of what happens when system compromises occur as well as how apps consume power.  

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As healthcare industry becomes increasingly digital, providers have recognized the potential for mHealth to serve as a critical component of their day-to-day operations.  Enterprise content management (ECM) solutions are on the rise. Healthcare solutions manager of Hyland Software, Dan West, told mHealth News that he expects ECM and mHealth to continue to intersect with one another in these five ways:

1. Embedded videos: If you don’t work in the medical field, chances are you don’t understand a lot of the information provided to you.  Through the use of informative videos, patients can better follow the directions of their doctor and complete the normally tedious questions asked on forms. 
2. Illustrating a process: Whether it be a rash or photos of a wound, combining these two mediums can help doctors follow the progress of a patients status visually, even when they aren’t in person.
3. Capturing vitals: With mHealth devices continually gaining popularity, physicians are gaining access to real-time data from their patients. While the debates are expected to continue about the need and accuracy of this information, this data may result in a more comprehensive patient chart. 
4. Accurate data: Images can help streamline reporting and enable doctors to quickly review information without having to read through pages of information.    
5. Approval Process: Can you imagine a world where you didn’t have to stop in the office to pick up signed forms or gain approval for procedures? mHealth enabled real-time participation. 

This partnership will continue to grow as both technologies progress. It will need to be tweaked to ensure the right parties are receiving the right data to enhance the overall healthcare experience. 

Image from medicalpracticeinsider.com