How Smartphone Technology is Changing Healthcare in Developing Countries

Abstract

It is widely recognized that technology can improve the health of populations in countries around the world. Smartphone technology is at the forefront of innovation in low, middle and high-income countries. Due to the falling price of the smartphone, and the United Nations (UN) commitment to make Internet access available in the least developed countries by 2020, soon smartphones will be available to all. This technology has already improved the doctor-patient interaction, reducing costs and improving care for patients. The benefits range from cheaper, quicker medical education to point-of-care ultrasound. This article explores the most recent developments, discusses future applications of smartphones and investigates how people’s lives in developing countries are being altered by this technology.