Can an App Be Prescribed for That?

The goal of this paper is to help bridge the gap between providers and their patients with regard to and by encouraging the proper use of electronics and mHealth. Due to the rapid growth of and changes in technology, it is difficult for researchers to complete studies on the efficacy of individual apps. Mobile apps are constantly changing and improving, sometimes daily, making valid research impractical (Pappas, 2011). Where does this leave the health care provider? How can healthcare providers recommend the use of these apps without proper research? By researching behavior change theories and behavior modification techniques, and how these theories and techniques are used in mHealth apps, this paper will provide recommendations on how to tackle this growing challenge that health care providers face.