Using the iPhone for eHealth

Posted on March 20, 2008 by Lygeia Ricciardi

Last summer this blog highlighted the trend toward using cell phones as a means of accessing or linking to a PHR. Earlier this month Apple, maker of the popular iPhone, released a software development kit (SDK) that makes it easier for programmers outside of Apple to write applications for it.

Applications of many types are expected to result from this greater access to the iPhone's inner workings. Several were on show at Apple's announcement of the software development kit, including one for medical professionals produced by ePocrates. Other updates to the iPhone include e-mail and data-syncing software that will make it more attractive for business users.

While seeding the development of consumer health applications was not a specific focus of Apple's announcement, they will not be not far behind. See the previous post on cell phones for brief descriptions of two patient applications for the iPhone that Project HealthDesign teams are currently working on.

In June Apple will release its iPhone 2.0 update, at which time the public will be able to download iPhone applications from iTunes just like music.

For more on the potential implications of greater openness in health care generally (including the openness of code), see the post inspired by the paper “Harnessing Openness to Transform American Health Care” by Elliot Maxwell, which was published early this year.