Doctors 'Heart' Forthcoming iPhone App

Remember when the iPhone was just a magical new toy for grown-ups, fun for surfing the Web or texting friends but frowned upon by the suits on the top floor? Well, Apple's uber-phone certainly has enjoyed a growth spurt and now has the chops to sport not only pinstripes but also doctor's scrubs.

One of those newer, professional iPhone applications is Boston Scientific's Latitude heart-monitoring app, which has been available for a few months on the desktop but soon will become fully mobile. Boston Scientific's R&D director, Joseph Weber, told FastCompany about the crucial advantage of making the application available on mobile devices:

"It's all about capturing those micromoments in the day — when a surgeon is waiting for the OR to be prepped for the next implant but can't sit down at a computer, when a patient's family member calls at 6 a.m. with a question but the office isn't opened yet."

While the app is still in prototype, the FastCompany article states that it will focus on cardiac rhythm management. Cardiac physicians will be able to access patient records, monitor implanted devices such as pacemakers and even schedule follow-up care. And they can do all of this while enjoying a round of golf.

No word yet on when the app will be available. But any cardiac doctors reading this (anyone?) may find it particularly useful, not to mention a great way to convince hospital administrators to kick down for some iPhones.

Image courtesy of Boston Scientific