Article Abstract
International Journal of Advance Research in Multidisciplinary, 2024;2(1):491-495
Impact of mobile health applications on patient loyalty and service utilization: A cross-sectional study of private hospitals in emerging cities
Author : Bolimera Kiran Kumar and Dr. Arvind Kumar Saxena
Abstract
Mobile health applications have emerged as a revolutionary medium through which healthcare providers can extend their services, streamline patient interactions, and enhance overall service delivery. This study examines the impact of mobile health (m-health) applications on patient loyalty and service utilization in private hospitals located in emerging cities in India. Using a cross-sectional design, quantitative data were collected from 450 patients via structured questionnaires, and qualitative insights were gleaned from semi-structured interviews with hospital management. The study investigates patient awareness and usage of mobile applications, the perceived benefits regarding convenience and personalization, as well as the correlation between m-health adoption and key performance indicators such as appointment attendance, patient satisfaction, and retention. The results reveal that hospitals utilizing robust mobile application platforms experience significantly higher levels of patient engagement, loyalty, and service uptake compared to those with minimal or no mobile integration. However, challenges such as low digital literacy among certain demographics, technical issues, and data security concerns remain prevalent. Practical implications for hospital management include the need to continuously innovate app functionalities, invest in staff training, and adopt advanced analytics to further tailor services to patient needs. The study concludes by discussing the strategic role of m-health applications in transforming healthcare delivery in emerging urban markets and suggests directions for future research in this rapidly evolving field.
Keywords
Mobile health applications, patient loyalty, service utilization, digital health, healthcare marketing, emerging cities, private hospitals, patient engagement