How Digital Health Solutions Are Reshaping the Modern Healthcare Landscape

Digital health solutions are technologies that have arisen due to the implementation of digital health. In the current healthcare landscape, digital health solutions are utilized to address several key aspects of healthcare, such as patient monitoring, consultations, data management, and more. Fundamentally, they aim to give patients more control over their care and help medical workers optimize treatment results. 

If you want to learn more about digital health solutions and how they are changing the healthcare landscape today, this post is a must-read. Today, we share with you an overview of digital health and the benefits and examples of digital health solutions. Without further delay, let’s get started. 

Digital Health – An Overview 

Digital health, also referred to as digital healthcare, is the integration of technology and digital tools into healthcare services. Its history traces back to 1897 when the very first documented telemedicine consultation took place through a telephone call. After the groundbreaking event, medical experts continued to explore the further possibilities of using technology for healthcare purposes. 

In 2022, the global digital health market was deemed a fast-growing market valued at $211 billion. This market is also projected to experience an 18.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2030, indicating a significant expansion in its size.

Through the implementation of digital health solutions, patients have more control over their treatments. Healthcare providers are also utilizing digital health solutions to reduce inefficiencies, improve access to healthcare data, and ultimately transform medical services for the better. 

Benefits of Digital Health Solutions

It is not uncommon to hear that digital health solutions can offer numerous benefits for the healthcare sector. But what are these benefits exactly? Below we list the benefits of digital health solutions in healthcare and discuss them individually.

1. Enhanced Delivery of Patient-Focused Care

With the help of digital health solutions, healthcare professionals can gather essential data for planning treatments that are suitable to a patient’s unique condition. These solutions also enable patients to track their health and stay informed about their underlying conditions and possible treatment options.

2. Increased Efficiency

A unique feature of digital health solutions is that they generally allow patients to access their information. By allowing patients to have access to their data, they can coordinate with their healthcare providers more efficiently. 

Digital health solutions such as health apps also allow patients to contact their specialists through video calls, reducing the need for time-consuming commutes and lengthy queues. Specialists may also utilize these health apps to answer patient queries faster or deliver healthcare services more conveniently. 

3. Improved Access to Data

Thanks to digital health solutions, patients can actively access and manage their health data to monitor their health progress. Some of the essential data that patients can have access to nowadays are the following:

1. Laboratory or test results 
2. Prescriptions or medications
3. Specialist details
4. Medical condition history
   

When patients have better access to their data, they can assess any irregularities that might affect their treatment. Data can also help them to decide which care or treatment they prefer. 

4. Lowered Costs

Digital health solutions provide opportunities for medical professionals and patients to reduce costs. For instance, telemedicine, which is brought about by digital health, has enabled specialists to see their patients more efficiently without having to meet them in person or renting huge clinic spaces. It also reduces the travel costs of patients, allowing them to allocate more money to their treatments and other necessities. 

5. Positive Lifestyle Changes to Patients

Digital health solutions educate and empower patients to make positive lifestyle changes through accessible health data and resources. These solutions are also equipped with practical features and tools that can provide consistent support for patients who want to achieve healthier habits and improve overall well-being in the long run.

Examples of Digital Health Solutions

Digital health solutions come in many forms nowadays, thanks to the advancement of technology. Below, we list the most common digital health solutions utilized by the healthcare sector today. 

1. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) 

In a simple explanation, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a network of medical applications and devices that are interconnected to healthcare IT systems via online computer networks. It enables wireless and remote devices to communicate securely over the internet, providing quick and flexible analysis and transfer of medical data.

2. Mobile Health Apps

Health apps, including medical apps, are software programs on devices that process health-related data. They help patients and health-conscious individuals to maintain, enhance, or monitor their well-being. At the same time, they provide a convenient way for medical professionals to track their patient’s health and prevent possible complications or health issues. 

4. Electronic Health Records 

Electronic Health Records (EHR) are electronic versions of a patient's medical records or history. They provide authorized users, such as healthcare workers, with secure and instant access to vital information.

5. Wearable Devices

Wearable devices are electronic devices or gadgets that can be worn on the body, embedded in clothing, or implanted in the user's body. They have various uses in healthcare, but the most common one is for monitoring patient conditions and sending and receiving data. Some of the wearable devices commonly used today include Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices, smartwatches, and fitness trackers.

6. Telehealth and Telemedicine

Telehealth and telemedicine are digital health solutions that rose to popularity during the pandemic. Basically, they are the delivery of healthcare services via telecommunications and digital communication technologies. Some technologies utilized in telehealth and telemedicine are live video conferencing, mobile health apps, and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

Disadvantage of Digital Health Solutions

While digital health solutions have proven their capabilities in improving patient care, there is a particular disadvantage that cannot be overlooked. Behind their benefits, digital health solutions may cause digital inequality. Digital inequality is the term used to refer to the uneven distribution of digital technologies and resources among individuals or regions. The most common reasons for digital inequality include poor internet access and low level of digital literacy. Typically, the people who experience digital inequality are the elderly or people living in poverty. 

While it is essential to address and bridge the gaps in access and utilization of digital technology solutions, the benefits that digital health brings cannot be ignored. As such, digital health will likely continue playing a significant role in revolutionizing the modern healthcare landscape.

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