A study has revealed what it claims are the four leading issues facing mobile health according to a series of interviews with industry insiders. The issues most commonly expressed by the experts are privacy and data security; funding; a lack of good examples of the efficacy and cost effectiveness of mhealth deployments; and the need for more high-quality research.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, was based on interviews with what are described as 27 “key informants from across the health and mhealth sectors in the US”. However the informants were not identified in the study which was conducted by Robyn Whittaker of the National Institute for Health Innovation at the University of Auckland.

Some of the issues, such as the primacy of privacy and data security, are unsurprising. Otherwise, concerns over the lack of good examples from mobile health has been well documented but some of the survey’s findings are interesting.  Asked about mhealth research, many felt it was “early or weak” and pointed to various areas as needing more high-quality research.

However most interviewees had seen sufficient proof that mobile health was worth pursuing, although they suggested more evidence is required in terms of cost effectiveness and showing what works. Some felt there was no need to wait for randomised controlled trials before proceeding with mhealth deployment. Supporters gave two examples where this was the case. Firstly, where no or very limited access exists to a health service, then mhealth represents a significant improvement with little or no possibility of harm to patients. Or where a mobile service is a natural extension of what a provider already does, for instance where health communications uses a method of communication that is already popular with an audience.

Finally, the survey says many of these issues could be addressed in a number of ways including by the current US health reform environment, developing “a strategic and co-ordinated approach" and seeking to improve mHealth practice.