Only 16 percent of doctors are using mHealth apps in their work with patients, but almost half expect to introduce them to their practice within the next five years. And almost every person who uses a health app says it's improving their quality of life.

That's the take-away from a survey of 500 healthcare professionals and 1,000 health app users by the Research Now Group. The survey indicates that while those using health apps are well aware of the benefits, healthcare providers are still reluctant to jump in.

"Mobile apps for smartphones are changing the way doctors and their patients approach medicine and health issues," Vincent DeRobertis, senior vice president of global healthcare for the Plano, Texas based firm, said in a press release. "Patients with heart disease can send information about their heart rate straight to their doctors, accessories allow diabetics to monitor their blood glucose levels by sending the results straight to their smartphone, and nutritionists can see trends in patients' caloric intake and exercise patterns."

"Patients are gathering data about their condition or treatment, ultimately improving their health, or perhaps reducing visits to a physician," he added. "Apps are improving healthcare professionals' knowledge of their patients, while patients feel a lift in their quality of life. Obviously, there is a huge opportunity for the use of these apps."

The survey asked clinicians whether they use mHealth apps, whether they think apps are beneficial and for which types of patients, and where apps would have the greatest potential.

In terms of where apps might improve care:

• 86 percent said apps would improve their knowledge of their patients' conditions;
• 72 percent said they would encourage patients to take more responsibility for their own health;
• Half said the apps would improve patient treatment; and
• 46 percent said the app would improve the relationships they have with their patients.

In terms of who would benefit best from apps, providers targeted not only those with acute health needs but those at risk – meaning they recognize the benefits of mHealth in preventive care and wellness. According to the survey, 76 percent of clinicians named those with chronic conditions, 61 percent said those at risk of developing health issues would benefit most, 55 percent said they would benefit people who are healthy, and 48 percent said the benefits are greatest for those recently discharged from a hospital.