Doctor in Your Pocket

Link: http://www.livemint.com/2009/02/19103745/Mobile-phones-aim-to-be-a-82.html (Overview of technology)

Description: The mobile phone carriers in Spain are looking to use mobile phones for yet another medical application. Getting medical information to the indigent population comprising of 51 programs in 26 countries. They believe that since these people already have mobile access, getting them medical information should be the next natural progression of hand-held technology. The largest adopters thus far are India, South Africa and Uganda.

“Bringing this type of innovation to market should substantially reduce the strain on the public health systems if implemented correctly” – Daniel Carucci

Primary Actor: Persons who have limited access to public healthcare, yet own and operate a cellular phone in developing countries.

Goal: To provide necessary medical information and advice to persons who normally would not be able to seek, or afford, medical care because of their economic status or social situation.

Use Case: The actor would login to their medical providers website where they would have access to general medical information as well as a link to a doctor or nurse who will answer their medical questions through a web / texting interface. The actor can use this information to substantially improve their healthcare situation, especially in the preventative healthcare arena.

Standards: There are no standards yet identified for this type of technology because it is so new. They are actively trying to develop a standard for disseminating this type of information to this target population.