Not so long ago, seeking healthcare services and approaching expert healthcare professionals around the globe was very difficult. But digital technology has made this possible. Everything is digitized nowadays, which has rapidly changed the way we think and reshaped how we interact with health professionals, as well as how we manage our own health. Digital health is a multifaceted notion that includes concepts from an intersection between technology and healthcare.
Digital transformation has found its way into healthcare, bringing together software, hardware, and various other services. In the world of digital health, you’ll come across things like electronic health records (EHRs), mobile health apps (mHealth), electronic medical records (EMRs), telehealth, wearable devices, telemedicine, and personalized medicine.
Digital Health Industry Statistics
In 2022, it was estimated that the market size of digital health was worth more than USD 233.5 billion and is anticipated to depict a 15% CAGR between 2023 and 2032, driven by the growing adaption of smartphones, tablets, and other digital platforms.
Source: Global Market Insights
According to Marwaha, Jayson, et al., a total of 33.3 billion USD has been invested in over 1200 US digital health companies in the past decade, ranging from 1.1 billion USD in 2011 to 14 billion USD in 2020. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just begun approving digital therapeutics, and consumer-facing digital health tools are booming now.
Digital Health Revolution: Top Advantages
The application of digital health technology has revolutionized the ways to improve patient care, streamline processes, and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
Let’s explore the top advantages of using digital health technology.
1. Providing Better Access to Healthcare
Digital health technologies have made it easy and approachable for patients to connect with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes. Telemedicine and remote monitoring tools are beneficial, particularly for people living in rural or underserved areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), telemedicine has proven to be effective in reducing the burden on healthcare facilities while maintaining quality care.
Moreover, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also endorsed the importance of telehealth platforms in increasing healthcare accessibility, especially during emergencies and crises, as also witnessed during COVID-19.
2. Enhanced Patient Engagement and Empowerment
Digital health technologies empower patients to take charge of their health. Through mobile health applications and wearable devices, individuals can track their vital signs, monitor chronic conditions, and access personalized health information. This fosters a sense of responsibility for one’s well-being and encourages healthier lifestyle choices.
TechTarget’s search health highlights that patient engagement tools have been shown to improve treatment adherence, leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
3. Efficient Health Data Management
The transition from paper-based records to electronic health records (EHRs) has revolutionized data management in healthcare. Digital health technologies enable secure storage, sharing, and analysis of patient information, facilitating seamless communication between healthcare providers and reducing the likelihood of medical errors.
The WHO emphasizes the importance of robust health information systems for effective health data management, leading to improved decision-making and patient care.
4. Personalized and Data-Driven Treatments
Digital health technologies leverage data analytics and artificial intelligence to provide personalized treatment plans for patients. By analyzing vast amounts of data, these technologies can identify patterns, predict outcomes, and recommend tailored interventions, leading to more effective and efficient treatments.
The FDA acknowledges the potential of digital health tools in precision medicine, where treatments are customized based on an individual’s unique genetic makeup and health characteristics.
5. Remote Monitoring and Chronic Disease Management
For patients with chronic diseases, digital health technologies offer continuous monitoring and management options. Remote patient monitoring devices, such as wearable trackers, enable healthcare providers to monitor patients’ health in real-time and intervene proactively in case of any issues.
According to TechTarget’s search health, remote monitoring has resulted in a reduction in hospital readmission rates for patients with chronic conditions, enhancing their quality of life.
For more insights on the latest developments in digital health technologies and their impact on the healthcare industry, visit Daily Digital Grind.
FAQs
What does digital mean in health?
In the context of healthcare, “digital” refers to the integration of technology into various aspects of healthcare delivery, management, and patient engagement. It encompasses electronic health records, telemedicine, health apps, wearable devices, and other digital health solutions that aim to improve healthcare access and outcomes.
What is the difference between digital medicine and digital health?
Digital medicine specifically focuses on medical interventions and treatments that are technology-based, such as digital therapeutics and remote patient monitoring. On the other hand, digital health encompasses a broader spectrum of digital technologies, including tools for patient engagement, data management, and healthcare administration.
What are the advantages of digital health?
The advantages of digital health include improved access to healthcare services, enhanced patient engagement, efficient health data management, personalized and data-driven treatments, and effective remote monitoring for chronic disease management.