SMS Medicine: Revolutionizing Healthcare Delivery through Mobile Technology
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Abstract
In the contemporary era, digital technologies have significantly transformed the medical sector, enhancing accessibility and efficiency through advanced connectivity. Telemedicine, a pivotal advancement in medical science, facilitates remote diagnosis and treatment via telephones and other digital devices. Among various telemedicine modalities, Short Message Service (SMS) medicine emerges as a particularly effective method for delivering healthcare services over long distances using mobile technologies. This paper explores the transformative potential of SMS medicine in healthcare delivery, particularly in low-resource settings and during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where it served as a critical tool in maintaining patient care while minimizing physical contact. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of case studies, the study highlights the benefits of SMS medicine, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, improved medication adherence, chronic disease management, and enhanced patient-provider communication. Additionally, the integration of SMS with web and mobile applications, such as MDLIVE and Updox, demonstrates increased flexibility and accessibility for patients, especially in rural areas. However, the implementation of SMS medicine is not without challenges, including data privacy concerns, technological limitations, disparities in mobile phone access, and the need for effective integration with existing healthcare systems. The paper also discusses future directions, emphasizing the potential integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to further enhance personalized medicine and real-time health monitoring. By addressing these challenges and leveraging SMS’s strengths, SMS medicine can bridge critical gaps in healthcare access and delivery, offering sustainable and inclusive solutions for diverse populations. This research underscores the significance of SMS medicine in revolutionizing healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited environments.
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