According to sources in the medical community, the high smartphone ownership in the country is seeing an increasing number of hospitals offer personalized smart medical services, with Hallym University Medical Center one of the latest examples. (Image: Hallym University Medical Center)
SEOUL, Jul. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — A number of large hospitals in South Korea are ramping up their technological prowess to attract patients amid growing competition in the medical industry, by releasing mobile apps boasting features ranging from doctor appointment scheduling to virtual reality experiences.
According to sources in the medical community, the high smartphone ownership in the country is seeing an increasing number of hospitals offer personalized smart medical services, with Hallym University Medical Center one of the latest examples.
Last month, Hallym University Medical Center released a ward round notification app which keeps inpatients up to date with their doctor’s schedule.
Previously, patients staying at the hospital found themselves with lengthy waits for doctor visits, leaving them confined to their room.
However, the new app will serve as a communication channel between medical staff and patients through which patients expecting a doctor’s visit will receive a message ahead of time, so as to avoid time spent waiting.
“I can brush my teeth or meet a visitor outside my room without worrying, as the app will keep me posted on when to expect the doctor’s visit,” a patient staying at the hospital said.
“Ward rounds are important, as patients and doctors meet to discuss treatment progress. As the ward round alert app has been mostly well-received by patients, we’ll continue our efforts to provide other types of medical services,” said Lee In-wook, an official at the hospital.
Since 2010, Kyung Hee University Healthcare System has been offering a complimentary diabetes scheduler app, allowing patients to keep track of their diet and treatment schedules on their smartphone without having to write them down.
Samsung Medical Center also got on board when it released a VR experience mobile app earlier this year that allows cancer patients to check out the hospital facilities through a 360 video.
A number of large hospitals in South Korea are ramping up their technological prowess to attract patients amid growing competition in the medical industry, by releasing mobile apps boasting features ranging from doctor appointment scheduling to virtual reality experiences. (Image: Samsung Medical Center)
Available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, the app not only shows off the latest medical equipment but also introduces doctors, and provides useful information for cancer treatment.
“The VR application has helped first-time patients adjust to a new hospital environment,” said Nam Seok-jin, the director of the Samsung Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
