The cell phone entered our lexicon in the mid 1980’s with the DynaTAC. It used to cost thousands of dollars and was a sign of wealth and success, as it was out of reach for most consumers and was immortalized in the media by its use by many iconic characters. Today it is nostalgically called the brick phone for its large size compared to the relative size of cell phones today. Even the once coveted cell phone is now in its twilight, as the smartphone market grew to about half of the mobile phone market by the end of 2011 (1) and accounts for two-thirds of new mobile phones purchased in the second quarter of 2012 (2).
The multi-functional smartphone manages our schedules, provides us with entertainment, and in many cases helps keep restless young ones occupied. The ubiquitous smartphone gives a unique opportunity for many industries and it was only a matter of time before clinical applications with the smartphone be developed. There are a few interesting clinical trials that deal with smartphones on ClinicalTrials.gov, see below for some interesting details.
HEART to HAART: smartphone intervention to improve HAART adherence for drug users
Description: The goal of this study is to further develop and pilot test a smartphone based intervention called HEART (Helping Enhance Adherence to Retroviral therapy using Technology) to HAART, to enhance adherence to HAART among HIV infected drug users.
Description: To explore use of a smartphone medication reminder application to promote adherence to oral medications by AYA with cancer.
Using smartphone technology to rural veterans
Description: The purpose of this study is to see if a new Smart Phone application can help Veterans manage their panic symptoms after completing a two-day treatment for panic attacks.
In closing
Do you remember your first cell phone? Your first smartphone? Many of us will remember the pager as our first mobile communication device. We have come a long way from the days of copper wire phones and static filled cordless phones. Bridging technology and healthcare is nothing new and we look forward to seeing which next generation technology will bring innovations to healthcare.
The clinical trials listed above are just a sample of what can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Feature Image: Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
