Development and application of mobile technology and the internet of things to aid primary care

With the increasing and ubiquitous use of smartwatches, mobile phones and tablets, more and more people can access software applications that can measure and report daily activities such as walking, running and sleeping. However, the use of these mobile devices can be extended to disease prevention, health promotion, seeking medical advice and personal health management. Firstly, this chapter will describe how mobile phones, when loaded with suitable computer application and fitted into a 3D-printed casing, can become an effective and affordable tool for quick diagnosis of the disease of malaria. Almost half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria, especially in developing countries such as those in Africa. The problem can be much alleviated if there is such an inexpensive and portable design in areas where they do not even have stable electricity. Secondly, this chapter will explain the use of mobile phone and the Internet of things (IoT) in disease management and health optimisation. In particular, it will explain how patients suffering from schizophrenia can prevent relapses and how asthma patients can use smartphones, which are networked with handheld electronic peak flow meter for effective self-monitoring and alerting the doctor when necessary. The chapter will also describe the use of IoT for pulse and glucose monitoring. Thirdly, in health promotion, mobile phones can be used to encourage good eating habits and regular physical activities. In this aspect, this chapter will review and contrast the IoT technologies that can be used with the mobile phones to encourage students to perform physical activities. Fourthly, the chapter will discuss the operation and benefits of online medical consultation. Finally, the chapter ends by describing possible scenarios of the use of medical IoT (mIoT) and identifying barriers for its adoption by the general public.