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Health Plan Smartphone App
Health Plan Smartphone App
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Health Plan Smartphone App
Mobile health is understood as medical and public health practices that are facilitated by mobile devices, including, smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices. This is a new area in the realm of telehealth. It differs greatly from the conventional systems and practices on the internet and physical medical workstations (California Healthcare Foundation, 2010). Mobile health uses handsets and wireless healthcare devices that are less expensive, convenient to use, flexible, remotely upgradable and adherent to the lifestyles of patients. Consequently, mobile health has the potential to reach many people. It has been studied and presented as a peculiar way of providing healthcare services.
The mobile handset or tablet is the crucial device that links physicians and healthcare service providers to patients in their environmental settings (California Healthcare Foundation, 2010). Unlike the age-old phones that have purposely served for voice communications, the advent of the smartphone incorporates all the central functions of the computer. Consequently, the wide range of smartphone applications has revolutionized people’s everyday lives. The applications can assist patients in managing diseases individually and are quicker channels of communication through which patients can obtain immediate clinical interventions (Nevada Division of Insurance, 2014).
An ideal smartphone app for medical insurance should include the following:
Display electronic identity card
View past claims
See healthcare savings account balance
Access eligibility
Access physician directory for network facilities and office locations
View coverage
View out-of-pocket totals
Look up prices of drugs across pharmacies
Find therapeutic and generic alternatives
Buy insurance coverage
View allergy and weather information
Allows users to establish nutrition and fitness challenges and achievements
Allows users share various accomplishments on social media
In designing the smartphone app, a number of precautionary measures will have to be taken into account. Firstly, the app should be tested before it is released to users. Platforms like Artisan can help in the testing process. Moreover, one should understand the motivations of users deeply. The user experience is important in every step of the app. Therefore, user motivation should be the backbone of the app. Consideration should also be made of the offline experience. The app should be usable even if the customer is offline (The Next Web, 2014). Another crucial consideration is the ease of use. Most smartphone owners are not skilled in using all the features of the phones. Therefore, the app should be designed in an intricate manner that allows customers to use it without difficulty. Think of the child user when designing. The user should navigate through the features easily.
Stupid simple is another critical aspect of designing an app. Once the design is set, a good way to achieve this stupid simplicity is to assign a non-technical person to work on it. Consideration should be made to readability and simplicity of language in analyzing the non-technician’s work. Most users will drop an app if it is not intuitive and easier to use. Moreover, the app should be tailored to suit all operating systems (Rohra, 2014). Some users have Android while others have iPhone. The user experience should be the same across all these operating systems. The use of grids is preferable as it maintains consistency as the user navigates from one page of the app to another. The design chosen should be unified across the app.
The app should be compatible with numerous platforms. Users access apps through various platforms, including desktop, tablets and smartphones. The app should be available and easier to use across these platforms (The Next Web, 2014). The app should also emulate the real world in terms of preferred insurance access mechanisms. Lastly, the app should have one central feature supported by a few other features. Putting up numerous features is detrimental to user experience (Rohra, 2014). The app should guide the user through the targeted experience instead of burdening the user with the task of finding the experience.
References
Annuzzi, J. and Darcey, L. (2013). Introduction to Android Application Development: Android
Essentials (4th Edition) (Developer’s Library). New York: Addison-Wesley
Baron, J. (2011). Effective elements within a Health Insurance Website. Retrieved 7 November
2014 from HYPERLINK “http://www.madtownagency.com/2011/10/highly-effective-health-insurance-website-design/” http://www.madtownagency.com/2011/10/highly-effective-health-insurance-website-design/
California Healthcare Foundation (2010). How Smartphones are Changing Healthcare for
Consumers and Providers. Retrieved 7 November 2014 from HYPERLINK “http://www.chcf.org/publications/2010/04/how-smartphones-are-changing-health-care-for-consumers-and-providers” http://www.chcf.org/publications/2010/04/how-smartphones-are-changing-health-care-for-consumers-and-providers
CMS Wire (2014). Top 5 Rules for Creating User Friendly Mobile Apps. Retrieved 7 November
2014 from HYPERLINK “http://www.cmswire.com/cms/customer-experience/top-5-rules-for-creating-user-friendly-mobile-apps-015841.php” http://www.cmswire.com/cms/customer-experience/top-5-rules-for-creating-user-friendly-mobile-apps-015841.php
Kort, W. (2014). Exam Ref 70-481 Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps Using
HTML5 and JavaScript (MCSD). Washington: Microsoft Press
Nevada Division of Insurance (2014). Announcement of Smartphone App and New Health
Insurance Website. Retrieved 7 November 2014 from HYPERLINK “http://doi.nv.gov/News_Notices/Press_Releases/Nevada_Division_of_Insurance_Announces_Smart_Phone_App_and_New_Health_Insurance_Website/” http://doi.nv.gov/News_Notices/Press_Releases/Nevada_Division_of_Insurance_Announces_Smart_Phone_App_and_New_Health_Insurance_Website/
Rohra, N. (2014). 8 Ways to Build a Better User Friendly Mobile Experience. Retrieved 7
November 2014 from HYPERLINK “http://insights.wired.com/profiles/blogs/8-ways-to-build-a-better-user-friendly-mobile-experience” l “axzz3INIIb2V1” http://insights.wired.com/profiles/blogs/8-ways-to-build-a-better-user-friendly-mobile-experience#axzz3INIIb2V1
The Next Web (2014). Tips for Developing a Mobile App that Consumers will Love. Retrieved 7
November 2014 from HYPERLINK “http://thenextweb.com/dd/2013/05/25/11-tips-for-developing-a-startup-mobile-app-users-love/” http://thenextweb.com/dd/2013/05/25/11-tips-for-developing-a-startup-mobile-app-users-love/
White, C. (2013). Idea to iPhone: The essential guide to creating your first app for the iPhone
and iPad. Sussex: John Wiley & Sons
Wildermuth, S. (2011). Essential Windows Phone 7.5: Application Development with Silverlight
(Microsoft Windows Development Series). New York: Addison-Wesley
Value proposition paper
Value proposition paper
The value proposition for this work is that the ability to achieve a tan through an artificial tanning bed is the worst fashion trend. The key words in this proposition are” fashion trend” and “tanning”. Tanning is browning of skin. Fashion trend refers to a unique way of doing things that is acceptable to majority of a population. It is where many people do the same thing and this makes other people interested in doing it also. Fashion trend deals with beauty and expressing ones personality through outward appearance. The hierarchy of this value proposition argues that fashion contributes to society in every sense. When an individual looks at you, their first impression relies on how you are dresses. It is therefore important to understand the worst fashion trends and avoid them. This gives an individual an advantage over people who ignore fashion and its powerful effects (Jablonski, 2012).
The criteria for evaluating this proposition begin with financial implications. This looks at the cost of maintaining a fashion trend and its lasting impact. The first issue to consider is the cost of tanning. Tanning comes at a cost, whether directly or indirectly. People who opt for indoor tanning incur a cost of $40 per session. Depending on the number of sessions, an individual spends an average of $120 dollars per month. Translating this into annual expenses and deducting tax only goes to show that this exercise is simply out to bring the Government more revenue. Financial implications require that we also look at the potential cost of medical treatment or wrinkle treatment. This usually occurs because of tanning products that tend to have detrimental side effects on users. Despite giving a nice tan, people soon develop medical complications that require more money. Many people lack this information as they chose artificial bed tanning.Cost of buying new clothes that agree with the tan also include financial implications. Fashion trends ought to be affordable and comfortable. This is why artificial bed tanning is the worst fashion trend. An individual should not have to risk bankruptcy or admission to hospital simply because of a mistake in fashion choice.
I support this value proposition especially when considering aesthetics. Many people opt for artificial bed tanning because they want to look more beautiful. Unfortunately, they end up looking fake and artificial instead. Indoor tanning makes people look worse instead of better. This is because they look for outer beauty instead of loving and appreciating their natural selves. Fashion trends advocate for the use of fashion to bring out personality, not create entirely different people.
After getting used to a tan some people want to keep it that way and forget their natural complexion. This makes them go back for artificial bed tanning several times and eventually predisposes them to diseases like skin cancer. This is because the ultraviolet rays used to tan skin weaken the skin pigment and thus people get skin cancer. These ultraviolet rays can also cause melanoma.This is terminal form of skin cancer that has killed over 9,000 people. This only goes to show that artificial bed tanning is the worst fashion trend ever. It is not realistic to risk death simply because indoor tanning is the way to go in fashion. It is far safer to look for other options in fashion like outdoor tanning by the sun. Artificial bed tanning may also cause eye damage and immediate effects like swelling and reddening of skin. It may predispose individuals to premature aging because the skin loses elasticity. It may also lead to suppression of the immune system and the ability of the skinto defend itself against infections (Turkington, 2007).
Fashion literally runs the world. This is especially true among women. They have a constant need to feel beautiful and be part of the latest fashion trends. Men also like to indulge in fashion trends but usually as a luxury that massages the masculine ego. However, artificial bed tanning is a fashion trend that seems to have sunk its roots deep into the culture of Americans. Thousands of Americans walk into salons every day simply to add a little skin color. Many spend money on sessions because they can leave the salon looking exactly as they wish. Despite this crave for a tan; many people end up risking their lives in the name of blending in society. The effect is so tremendous that teenagers and young adults are taking up the trend, unaware of the risks it possesses.
The effects of artificial bed tanning are mind blowing. In the United States alone, an average of I million people tan indoors daily. Out of this population, almost 60% opt for artificial bed tanning (Heckman, 2012). It is clear that such a large population of individuals will set the fashion trend or pave for this artificial bed tanning. On average 28million people tan indoors with 2.5 million being teenagers. It is therefore expected that many people chose this fashion trend on the basis of this figures.Consequently, the effect is that millions of people struggle with skin cancer and other body ailments while others end up dying. On the other hand, men and women get to look good and feel good about themselves and thus creating the image of the fashion trend (Heckman, 2012).
The main cause for this being the worst fashion trend is that it has so many disadvantages compared to advantages. Financial costs, medical conditions and health risks all surpass the desire to look better. Fashion trends are however unconcerned by such implications and continue to thriveand create revenue to the tune of $2.6 billion dollars. The main reason people chose this fashion trend is the innate desire to feel beautiful and accepted. Being part of the fashion trend also creates a sense of belonging and value that makes people feel they are part of something bigger than themselves. This feeling disguises the true effects of this fashion trend and many people discover their mistake when it is too late.
This value proposition paper strongly explains that artificial bed tanning is the worst fashion trend ever. It explains fashion trend and tanning as the key words and also shows the hierarchy in this proposition. This helps in setting the basis for the argument of this proposition.It looks at the financial implication especially on the cost of tanning, medical treatment and clothing. These costs also reflect significant contributions to the industry’s revenue. Many people do not consider these implications as they dive into this fashion trend.It also looks at the aesthetics perspective of this fashion trend as well as the physical and health complications of the trend. This gives insight into the medical risks involved in this trendas well as the pursuit that individuals have for beauty.It looks at the criteria for evaluation and its relevance to the proposition. It also looks at the society that this fashion trend influences as well as the effects that it has. It finally looks at what causes this effects and their significance.
REFERENCES
Turkington, C., & Dover, J. S. (2007).The encyclopedia of skin and skin disorders. New York, NY: Facts on File.
Heckman, C. J., &Manne, S. L. (2012).Shedding light on indoor tanning. Dordrecht: Springer.
Jablonski, N. G. (2012). Living Color: The Biological and Social Meaning of Skin Color. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Value Dimensions By Trompenaars
Value Dimensions By TrompenaarsContents
TOC o “1-3” h z u Universalism versus particularism PAGEREF _Toc381193097 h 1Neutral versus effective PAGEREF _Toc381193098 h 1Specific versus diffuse PAGEREF _Toc381193099 h 2Achievement versus ascription PAGEREF _Toc381193100 h 2
It is important to understand so as to be able to work with people in a more effective manner.in order to achieve this by Trompenaars researched on value dimensions. He came up with various dimensions (Coburg, 2008). The paper will look at the four value dimensions developed by Trompenaars.
Universalism versus particularismUniversalism involves people placing a huge importance on rules, laws, obligations and values they try dealing with people in a fair way on the basis on these rules but the rules usually come prior to relationships. It involves helping people understand their work is linked to what they believe and their value.it provides processes, procedures and instruction which are clear.it requires on to be consistent and keep their promises. (Coburg, 2008). Particularism involves believing that every circumstance and relationship is what dictates the rules to live by. How people respond to a situation is subject to change on the basis of the particular happenings of a moment and those involved.it involves giving people an autonomy when it comes to the decision making process. People should always ensure that they respect the needs of others during the decision making process. People are supposed to exercise flexibility when making decisions (Deresky, 2011).
Neutral versus effectiveNeutralism revolves around the fact that people make a lot of effort when it comes to controlling their emotions. Their actions are mainly influenced by reason more than the feelings they have. People have the tendency of not reveling what they feel or think.it involves effective management of emotions. Ensuring that you watch how people react carefully since they might be reluctant when it comes to displaying their emotions. Effective involves people coming up with ways of expressing their emotions.in these cultures it is acceptable to express emotions. It involves being open to people.it also entails the use of emotions so as to communicate objectives that one has (Deresky, 2011).
Specific versus diffuseSpecific involves people ensuring that there is a distinction between their personal life and work. Due to this there is the belief that relationships do not impact in any way the objectives in work. Even though good relationships are of great importance it is believed that people can still go ahead and work together even if they do not have good relationships. It involves going straight and direct to the point (Coburg, 2008). The main focus should be on objectives before the strengthening of relationships. People should be allowed to keep home lives and work lives separate. Diffuse involves people seeing their personal lives and work overlapping. There is the belief that good relationships are essential when it comes to meeting objectives in business. They believe that their relationships with others should be same regardless of whether they are working or meeting in a social gathering. This involves focusing establishing good relationships before focusing on the objectives of the business. Ensuring that one finds out as much information as they can with those they work with and people they do business with.it also involves discussion business in social occasions (Deresky, 2011).
Achievement versus ascriptionAchievement involves people believing that someone is what they do and use this to form a basis for an individuals worth.in this cultures performance is highly valued regardless of who a person is.it involves giving rewards so as to recognize good performance. Ascription involves people believing that an individual ought to be valued for what they are.in these cultures people value title, power and position and the roles are determinants of how specific individuals behave. Titles are used there is need to clarify an individual’s status within an organization.it is also expected that people who in authority are respected particularly in the event of challenging particular decisions. People should always make sure that their authority does not stand in the way of good performance within their role (Deresky, 2011).
References
Deresky, H. (2011). International management: Managing across borders and cultures (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Coburg, FH, L. (20O8).Cultural Dimensions: The results of the research of Fons Tropenars. Retrieved June 26, 2013 from http://kautz.hu/ip2008/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=20&Itemid=19