2023-11-12 09:09:00
But be careful, like medications or treatments, these apps should not be used lightly. Because we’re not talking here regarding apps that count steps or remind you to drink enough. This is the difference between a health application and a medical application, explains Steven Vandeput, expert in medical technologies and coordinator of the mHealthBelgium portal which brings together all the applications validated by the Belgian government.
Three levels of validation
The platform www.mhealthbelgium uses a three-tier classification system. “The first certifies that the application is recognized by the European Union as a medical device (CE marking). ” All those listed on mhealthbelgium have therefore been validated by the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products ( FAMHP). Manufacturers finally declare that they are in order within the framework of the GDPR which protects our personal data.
The second level concerns interoperability and connectivity with the basic services of the federal institution’s eHealth platform. Finally, applications can reach the third level when they are financed by Inami. They then showed socio-economic added value and can be reimbursed.
The advantages for the patient are numerous: better adapted treatment (thanks to a more precise diagnosis), better information on their illness or treatment (thanks to real-time monitoring of certain parameters), possibility of managing their state of health in an appropriate manner. more active (digital therapeutic support, for example), continuous monitoring instead of ad hoc (remote monitoring) or even better communication with the healthcare team… These applications are therefore generally used as part of treatment.
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8 validated medical applications
1. Diabetes
FreeStyle LibreLink is an application that is used with a FreeStyle Libre sensor by people suffering from diabetes. All data (glycemia, insulin, diet, physical activity, etc.) is collected by the app by simple NFC contact to then be used by health professionals. This self-monitoring glucose system supports a diabetes management program.
2. Multiple sclerosis
Compagnon is aimed at people with multiple sclerosis. The app helps give a better overview of the progress of the patient’s disease by providing an overview and comparing it with that of other patients. Thanks to the data collected, the doctor can train prognostic models capable of virtually testing medications and thus finding more quickly the one that best suits the patient.
3. Epilepsy, headaches
The Neuroventis platform provides patients and healthcare professionals with digital tools so they can manage neurological disorders. Thanks to the free Helpilepsy and MigraineManager applications, patients can self-manage and better understand the disorder they suffer from (epilepsy and headaches). They can also share data regarding themselves with health professionals.
4. Back pain, etc.
MyMedicoach is an application that can be used for different pathologies. Its objective is in fact to help therapists and patients to follow the prescribed actions and exercises. An example ? A patient suffering from back pain can find the exercises recommended by their physiotherapist. He can watch a video to remember the movements. It’s also a way of not forgetting to do your exercises.
5. Heartbeat
FibriCheck allows heart rhythm disturbances and associated symptoms to be recorded on patients’ smartphones. The application does not use medical sensors but simply the smartphone camera. The patient places their finger for 1 minute and the app records the data. This makes it possible to monitor patients following an intervention or to detect new disorders. It requires an access code provided by a professional.
6. Relaxation
SyncVR Fit is used with a virtual reality headset. This app provides physical movement exercises and mental relaxation exercises for patients who are experiencing some form of pain, stress, anxiety before, following or during a medical or surgical procedure. The patient may, for example, be invited to keep goals or pick fruit or immerse themselves in a lively and interactive environment leading to relaxation.
7. Skin diseases
SkinVision can be used by everyone as it is a skin health tracking app. All you have to do is take a photo of a skin spot that appears suspicious with your smartphone to receive a risk assessment within 30 seconds. Of course, this does not replace a visit to the doctor or traditional methods of assessing the level of risk of skin cancer, but it does raise awareness.
8. Sleep apnea
Sunrise requires a sensor sent to your home. It connects to the smartphone and places it on the chin for the night. It is the most appropriate place to observe movements during sleep and allow rapid diagnosis of sleep apnea at home. Once the test has been carried out, the application offers an online consultation with a sleep expert doctor or in the nearest sleep center.
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