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Digital Health is a discipline that includes digital healthcare programs that leverage technology, data, and analysis to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery and to make medicine more personalized and precise.
Mobile medical apps, software, surgical robotic hardware, AI, and machine learning are starting to transform medical and clinical decisions doctors make every day. Digital Health technology continues to drive transformation in healthcare and treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines the broad scope Digital Health to include categories such as mobile health (mHealth), Hospital at Home, Health Information Technology (HIT), wearable devices, telehealth and telemedicine, virtual care practice and individualized medicine.
"Digital health connects and empowers people and populations to manage health and wellness, augmented by accessible and supportive provider teams working within flexible, integrated, interoperable and digitally-enabled care environments that strategically leverage digital tools, technologies and services to transform care delivery."
- HIMSS (Health Information and Management Systems Society)
Digital health tools have the vast potential to improve the ability to accurately diagnose and treat disease and to enhance the delivery of health care for individuals. For example, wearable devices can track activity levels and monitor vital signs, allowing individuals to monitor their own health and detect potential issues before they become serious. Mobile applications can provide education and support for patients managing chronic conditions, while telemedicine allows patients to connect with healthcare providers from the comfort of their own homes.
Examples of digital health tools include:
Fitbit - (A popular One) Is a wearable device that tracks activity levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns.
MyFitnessPal - a mobile application that allows users to track their nutrition and exercise habits.
AliveCor - a mobile electrocardiogram device that allows users to monitor their heart health.
Teladoc - a telemedicine platform that connects patients with healthcare providers via video chat.
Medisafe - a medication management app that helps patients keep track of their medications, including dosage instructions and refill reminders.
For example, a wearable device that tracks physical activity can help individuals set fitness goals and monitor their progress. An app that tracks sleep patterns can help individuals identify potential sleep disorders and develop better sleep habits. Remote monitoring tools can allow healthcare providers to track patients' vital signs and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Digital health tools collect and analyze this data, providing valuable insights that can help individuals make informed decisions about their own health. By providing a more comprehensive view of an individual's health, digital health tools can help individuals take charge of their own health and improve the overall quality of life.
The Path Forward
Today, digital health is revolutionizing personal health care by leveraging technology to improve patient engagement, access to care, and the overall quality of healthcare services. As we continue to embrace digital health innovations, the future of medicine looks promising, with the potential for more personalized, efficient, and effective healthcare solutions. By harnessing the power of technology, we can create a healthier society where individuals are empowered to take charge of their health and well-being.
Sources:
Health Affairs. (2020). Digital Health: A New Era of Healthcare Delivery. Health Affairs Digital Health
Pew Research Center. (2021). The Future of Digital Health: Trends and Predictions. Pew Research Digital Health
Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR). (2020). The Impact of Digital Health on Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review. JMIR Digital Health
Deloitte Insights. (2021). 2021 Global Health Care Outlook: The Future of Digital Health. Deloitte Digital Health
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