How Can The Government Improve Smartphone Health Apps?

Every week I see a flood of new smartphone apps hitting the market that help users make better health decisions. And every week there are some great ideas I want to write about, but I’m dissuaded by two things:

1) The apps are usually micro-targeted towards a certain consumer and do very specific things

2) I’m overwhelmed by the number of apps and how many of them feel like clones of each other

This is why I’m intrigued by a new program from the UK’s National Health Service, which is recommending 500 apps and tools for doctors to prescribe to patients. As I mentioned in my last post, we need more health curators to guide us to the best solutions. While you can argue whether or not the government should be recommending services (although, at 500, it’s tough to say there’s any conflict of interest or they’re limiting choices), they have two big advantages that can improve public health:

1) Scope: Unlike other public health organizations, the government can reach all doctors and patients

2) Credibility: The government seal-of-approval gives users confidence that these apps have been vetted by health experts and are provide value

Now, I’m not advocating the government go into the app business - attempts by our government can be mixed at best (see TSA app – functional, but not innovative) and they’re served best by leaving development up to private companies.

But they can play a powerful role by leading people to the most promising solutions. By highlighting the most functional products, these apps may build a user base and encourage their designers to continue innovating. It would also be great to see the government providing small grants or awards to select companies to help fund this expansion.

Ultimately, I think the industry needs to consolidate so smart engineers and health professionals can concentrate efforts on the apps that work. One day, I hope I don’t have as many choices because a smaller number of apps provide the range of services I need and do it best. And I think government can help catalyze this process through similar recommendations.