Healthcare Accessibility
Healthcare accessibility is not only about having appropriate interventions, but also about accessibility, affordability, approachability, and equal access. Over 300,000 Scots live with type 2 diabetes and these individuals are 50% more likely to die prematurely (diabetes UK., 2020). Similarly, the prevalence of allergies in Scotland is just on par. The common feature between both conditions is they are chronic diseases which require healthcare accessibility. In the case of diabetes (type 1/2), where a key symptom is polyuria (excess urination) improving access to healthcare and quality of life can be done with apps that inform patients of every nearby toilet and insulin shot in emergency situations; allowing them the freedom to travel, explore and even just something as simple as going on a walk. In the case of allergies, it’s ensuring accessible life-saving epi-pens and perhaps with the same app informing patients of nearby epi-pens and even mandating epi-pens in every restaurant. So, whilst healthcare accessibility in chronic conditions is a great dilemma, there are steps that can be taken by merging technology and medicine. Healthcare accessibility can be the app that saves lives in emergency situations and improves the quality of life.
Reference
Diabetes UK, 2020, Number of people with type 2 diabetes in Scotland increases by 40% in a decade.