How can smartphones increase accessibility to healthcare?

Smartphones have changed the way that people conduct their professional and personal lives. Whether you need street directions, food delivered or fitness inspiration, there’s bound to be a smartphone app tailored to your needs.

Healthcare is no different, and smartphone apps have provided an increased level of accessibility to people in need of urgent medical services. The House Call Doctor instant booking app is one recent example.

Developed for iPhones and Android, the House Call Doctor app allows patients to store their personal details and instantly request a doctor when they need urgent medical care. House Call Doctors provide assistance to patients when regular GP clinics are closed during weeknights, weekends and public holidays.

The ability to request a doctor with the click of a button is especially useful for parents, who may otherwise have to spend time speaking with a call centre operator, when their child is sick. Professional carers also find the House Call Doctor booking app useful as it stores patient information, including their address, phone number and Medicare details.

Elderly patient who may be susceptible to forgetting medical information, such as their DVA Card number, also benefit from instant booking apps, as this information is securely stored on their smartphone. Once patients request an urgent after-hours appointment through the House Call app, a call-back is issued to confirm the patient’s symptoms and provide the doctor’s estimated time of arrival.