Mobile Cloud Computing in Healthcare

Abstract

Mobile devices today are omnipresent. Along with wearable devices equipped with in-built sensors, these give patients access to healthcare facilities and services from wherever they may be—at the instant they need it. The limitations in the capacity of mobile devices, both in terms of storage and computation, are overcome by offloading computation-heavy and data-intensive tasks to the cloud. Mobile cloud computing thus has the potential to effect far-reaching and revolutionary changes in healthcare, overcoming infrastructural and systemic constraints. In this chapter, we look at the history of cloud computing, define mobile cloud computing, and examine existing and potential applications in healthcare for mobile cloud computing. These include bio-signal monitoring, teleconsultations, maintaining and accessing electronic health records, and setting up and monitoring systems of care. We set out a case study whereby mobile cloud computing has been successfully deployed to improve patient outcomes. The STEMI India Model was piloted in Tamil Nadu, using this technology to diagnose and advocate treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction, the deadliest form of a heart attack. Patient outcomes were significantly improved. We conclude by addressing some of the challenges in using mobile cloud computing for healthcare delivery.