The smartphone as a medical device: Assessing enablers, benefits and challenges

Over one billion smartphones have now been shipped worldwide. These mobile devices feature multi-core CPUs and GPUs, megapixel cameras and an array of sensors. Smartphone sensors can now be processed to diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions including cough detection, irregular heartbeat detection, and lung function analysis. The ability to diagnose ailments in the convenience of patients' homes on smartphones that they already possess could lead to early detection, which could ultimately reduce healthcare costs. This paper reviews state-of-the-art examples, examines the technical issues involved in the use of the smartphone as a medical device, and outlines potential benefits and challenges. A case study of an Android smartphone app for wound detection and healing progress analysis by diabetes patients is also presented.