Integrative medicine is speculated as the next game changer in the world of medicine. Integrative medicine is an approach to selecting the most effective method for a specific ailment from the traditional and modern systems of medicine. Alternative systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani, Kampo, Korean medicine etc. has already found a substantial taking in European Union (EU). Recent studies show that a Swiss referendum saw 80% support for integration of traditional and modern medicine. The United States is contemplating plans for integrating it into its public health system.
If we analyse the WHO’s data on per capita health expenditure, only Japan seems to be country where the leap in spending has shown a decreasing trend. It is because the Japanese healthcare system is integrative, i.e. harnessing the best from traditional as well as modern. The United States alone saw about three times increase in its expenditure in 2015 from its 2000 level. Further green is the call across the globe, and traditional medicine is 100% green.
But it seems that in the tech world, the mobile application development industry has not yet grasped the full significance of this emerging approach. Here are some innovative ways to synthesise the whole essence of Integrative Medicine into mobile applications:
Involve the respective health professional in designing the stages
A comprehensive health care system is very complex to design but breaking them down at the right points can simplify things. One possible approach is to divide them into Diagnosis, Prognosis and treatment.
Further, the approach of each system of medicine needs to be understood in detail. For example, ayurvedic tools of diagnosis and deducing symptoms are entirely different from the modern medicinal approach.
Design the app with scope for doctor intervention at the right time
Many of the remedies suggested by the traditional system of medicines are home-based So, the monitoring stage should include the “See the Doctor” feature when the data from monitoring shows poor signs of recovery. In case of symptoms that show complications, the user should be urged to consult the doctor directly. The app should provide a map feature with location details of the various healers in their locality with a suggestion for the best course of action.If possible, provide in brief the various approaches available for each system of medicine.
Provide an array of solutions from each system of medicine
The most significant feature of traditional systems is that medicine for insect bite may also be applicable for a cold. Example: Tulsi leaves or leaves of Plectranthus barbatus.
When users search for ailments like a headache, stomach pain etc., the app should come out with a wide range of remedies from each system of medicine.
Treatments like acupuncture require strict supervision and expert hands. So typologies can be used in the remedy window.
Typologies like “Home-based solutions”, “Resort or hospital-based solutions” etc., can be given.
Build your health app in an interactive way
The app interface should be such that, users can input their symptoms and how they feel in step by step process. If the user or patient thinks that he or she suspects such an ailment, provide questionnaires to get further details to arrive at an accurate deduction. Features like “Chat with our Healer”, “Fix an appointment” etc. can make it useful for them.
A robust monitoring structure to trace improvement or deterioration
It is an essential feature. Any medical aid app should be able to deliver some efficacy to the users. And the best way the app developers can gauge it is through the data from monitoring. Health apps are always under the scanner of state agencies as they are still sceptical of the private initiatives in the health sector. So control has to be accurate, and right interventions should be made at the right time to keep your app clean of legal hurdles.
Use Big Data analysis to create a list of the most effective remedy through feedbacks
While monitoring is going on, the next important feature is the analysis of the results that the app is producing. It is a general observation that a particular remedy may result in a fast response and some other in slow response. The vast amount of feedback and user experience collected can be used to provide a list of “Most effective” or “Most tried” remedies, to give a wide range of choice to the user.
A statistics page with the success rate of a particular method and the age group statistics of the patients can help users to make an accurate decision.
An area wise suggestion of plants with GIS
Most of the traditional medicines are prepared from plants directly. Such a helping feature like “Locate the plant” with photos of leaves, fruits and flowers can be given. If GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is made use of then, the app can even round up the localities that the user need to search for plants.
Considering the tedious process of getting an appointment with the doctor and the cost of formal health systems, this app will be a boon to many. Such an app can go a long way toward building a healthy and confident society.