The convergence of EHR systems and mobile technologies could lead to significant innovations that improve the delivery of care in the U.S., according to secretary of health and human services Kathleen Sebelius.

Speaking at the recent mHealth Summit, Sebelius noted that significant progress had been made in recent years in the number of physicians using EHRs. Wider utilization of mobile devices in healthcare settings could be the next critical development.

This is primarily because mobile technology allows for the rapid delivery of health services. Sebelius said that this benefit could help the nation transition away from a "sick care" model to one that encourages greater use preventative services. The growing use of EHRs will make all this possible.

"Mobile health is the natural extension of this trend, bringing health information from people’s computers to their pockets and purses. The advantage of mobile phones is that they’re always with us," Sebelius said.

She added that it will also be possible to leverage mobile technologies to get patients more involved in their own care, which has been a major goal of recent government health programs.