Interactive Health Communication (IHC) Applications

Interactive health communication (IHC) can be defined as the interaction of an individual--consumer, patient, caregiver, or professional—with an electronic device or communication technology to access or transmit health information or to receive guidance on a health-related issue.

IHC applications are the operational software programs or modules that interface with the end user rather than the hardware and infrastructure technologies that run or disseminate these applications.

Examples of IHC applications

Health web sites, mobile applications and News groups are all examples of IHC. As the prevalence of smart phones, mobile apps are playing more and more important roles on personalized nutrition communication. The benefits of Interactive Health Communication through mobile apps include:

• Easy access
• Enable usage any time and any place
• Automatic recording of personal data
• Notifications of special events, launches, etc.

Logo of Nutrition Genius

IPhone screenshots of Nutrition Genius

Nutrition Genius

Here is an excellent example of mobile apps being used in personalized nutrition communication. A mobile app named Nutrition Genius is currently available on Apple Store. Nutrition Genius has large in-app food database with over 75,000 unique items, 540+ Restaurant Menus, and 7,000+ common grocery items. PLUS 160+ exercise items with low, normal, and high intensity intervals. Nutrition Genius records user’s calories and food score, tracks weights, and suggests daily calorie intake.

Advantages of IHC applications

Comparing to traditional health communication, IHC applications have its unique advantages.

  1. Delivers personalized health recommendations.

Computer based mass data processing has the capability to store individual health data and customize health recommendations according to customers’ needs, preferences, education level and language.

  2. Improves access to health information, provides broader choices and options   to both professionals and consumers.

  3. Interactive self-assessment tools help individuals to focus on key issues and take   action to improve their health.

  4. Provides a confidential and anonymous environment for health seekers

  5. Reaches large amount of consumers at low costs 

Disadvantages of IHC applications

Just like a coin has two sides, IHC applications have both pros and cons. Major cons of IHC applications are outlined as below.

1. Inaccurate or inappropriate use of IHC applications can result in inappropriate care.
2. Health professionals may perceive IHC technology as a threat to professional autonomy.
3. IHC applications collect personal data, which may raise the risk of personal information abuse.

Resources:

LI Bouwman, GJ Hiddink, MA Koelen, M Korthals, P van’t Veer and C van Woerkum. (2005).

Personalized nutrition communication through ICTapplication: how to overcome the gap between potential effectiveness and reality.

http://www.health.gov/scipich/IHC/IHCdefin.htm IHC Application Checklist

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nutrition-genius-calorie-exercise/id331419853?mt=8 Nutrition Genius - Calorie, Exercise & Weight Tracker

http://phiwiki.wetpaint.com/page/Interactive+Health+Communication Interactive Health Communication