It is always exciting when a healthcare system comes up with a new way to connect with their patients. Many systems took to social media to achieve this end, with varying degrees of success. The latest frontier is mobile applications. 
Earlier this year, the Mayo Clinic launched its Patient application, which gives patients access to an array of online content, the ability to manage medications, and even a real time map of its major facilities. More recently, Rex Healthcare, a system based in Raleigh, NC, recently developed Cancer Care, a mobile application that helps its cancer patients navigate and manage their treatments. “What we try to do at Rex is come up with innovative ways that we can enhance the great care our cancer care team provides, and make that journey a little easier for our patients,” Jason Papagan said in an interview with NBC 17. With the application, users can store contact information for each member of their care team, making it easy to connect with providers with any questions or concerns. Users can also manage their medications and read more about their diagnosis. The application also includes a link to the Rex Patient Connect Facebook community, allowing cancer patients to share stories and offer support. But the application isn’t all about being serious. It also offers some fun for the user. Tapping the “Entertainment” icon brings up a customized Pandora station that plays inspirational tunes selected by the Rex staff and patients. The most unique part of the application is “Virtual Wigs” section. Chemotherapy patients typically use wigs, hats, or scarfs to cover their heads after losing their hair. Rex actually offers these items for free at their facility, and users can “virtually” samples wigs from Rex’s collection by superimposing wig images onto their photo. As more facilities develop mobile applications to engage with patients, we will likely see more innovative features that compliment care provided at the facility. In fact, Rex has plans to launch an entire line of mobile applications for its patients. Stay tuned.
Earlier this year, the Mayo Clinic launched its Patient application, which gives patients access to an array of online content, the ability to manage medications, and even a real time map of its major facilities. More recently, Rex Healthcare, a system based in Raleigh, NC, recently developed Cancer Care, a mobile application that helps its cancer patients navigate and manage their treatments. “What we try to do at Rex is come up with innovative ways that we can enhance the great care our cancer care team provides, and make that journey a little easier for our patients,” Jason Papagan said in an interview with NBC 17. With the application, users can store contact information for each member of their care team, making it easy to connect with providers with any questions or concerns. Users can also manage their medications and read more about their diagnosis. The application also includes a link to the Rex Patient Connect Facebook community, allowing cancer patients to share stories and offer support. But the application isn’t all about being serious. It also offers some fun for the user. Tapping the “Entertainment” icon brings up a customized Pandora station that plays inspirational tunes selected by the Rex staff and patients. The most unique part of the application is “Virtual Wigs” section. Chemotherapy patients typically use wigs, hats, or scarfs to cover their heads after losing their hair. Rex actually offers these items for free at their facility, and users can “virtually” samples wigs from Rex’s collection by superimposing wig images onto their photo. As more facilities develop mobile applications to engage with patients, we will likely see more innovative features that compliment care provided at the facility. In fact, Rex has plans to launch an entire line of mobile applications for its patients. Stay tuned.
