Technology holds potential for revolutionizing the approach to managing chronic diseases.
In the realm of healthcare, tackling the challenges of chronic disease management for common conditions like heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis is no easy feat. However, digital health technology is heralded for its potential to transform the role of primary care and internal medicine specialists in this area.
Approximately half of all adults in the United States have at least one chronic health condition, with treatments accounting for as much as 86% of healthcare spending. So, what about digital health technology? Does it have the answers we're looking for?
Digital health technology encompasses remote monitoring, mobile health (mHealth) apps, wearables, and various devices. With countless options available, the question remains: which digital solutions are specifically beneficial for healthcare professionals?
We asked primary care and internal medicine specialists about their experiences and opinions on digital health technology in their daily practice. While they acknowledge the potential benefits, they also highlight the barriers that hinder its widespread adoption.
Remote Monitoring: A Promising Start?
Remote monitoring of patients' vital signs and symptoms has garnered interest from primary care providers (PCPs). This approach allows for early intervention when specific symptoms are detected and encourages patients to take an active role in their healthcare.
Remote monitoring has proven particularly effective in managing heart failure cases, notes Suzanne Falck M.D., associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Data from an implanted sensor is transmitted directly to a healthcare professional, who can then advise on medication, lifestyle changes, additional clinic visits, or recommendations to visit their PCP or the emergency room.
Clinical trials demonstrate that remote monitoring not only reduces hospitalizations in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices but is also more cost-effective than conventional management.
The Rise of Popular mHealth Apps
With 77% of all U.S. adults owning smartphones and around half owning tablet computers, mobile technology offers a significant opportunity to revolutionize chronic disease management.
In fact, a veritable army of mHealth apps cater to various medical conditions, with around 259,000 options available in app stores. These apps focus primarily on diabetes, hypertension, chronic heart disease, and depression, with diabetes viewed as particularly ripe for mHealth app development.
Clinical trials indicate that patients with type 2 diabetes who use an app to monitor blood glucose levels show a greater reduction in HbA1c than those who do not. With the right support, these apps could empower patients to better manage their condition, improve their disease trajectory, lower rates of complications, and prevent comorbidities.
The Future of Wearable Trackers
Wearable technology, such as smartwatches and activity trackers, offers exciting possibilities for digital health. These devices analyzy vital signs, sleep patterns, heart rate, and more.
While the exact impact of wearable devices on illness and recovery is still unclear, the potential applications are vast. Portable cardiac monitors, EKGs, sleep cycle analyzers, and glucose monitors are just a few examples of wearable devices on the horizon.
Wearable technology could revolutionize healthcare by providing immediate, remote results to healthcare providers and enabling increased access to care. However, the success of wearable devices is not yet guaranteed—30% of users abandon their activity trackers due to lack of usefulness, boredom, or device failure.
Inequalities in Digital Health Access
Primary care providers express concern about access to technology among underserved populations, particularly low-income families. There is also a significant digital divide among older adults, with many lacking the resources necessary to use these innovative tools.
To address these issues, digital health technology must be easy to use, accessible, and tailored to the needs of various demographics. Strategies like gamification, personalized feedback, and language support could help bridge the gap and encourage greater adoption.
As digital health technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to transform the way we approach chronic disease management. With the right combination of innovative technologies and careful consideration of accessibility, we can reimagine healthcare for a life of greater well-being.
- A nutritionist could aid in the development of diet and exercise plans for patients utilizing data collected from wearable devices in disease management.
- In patient care, the integration of popular mHealth apps in chronic disease management could benefit from collaboration with specialists to ensure their effectiveness in various medical conditions.
- Fitness apps and wearables can be valuable tools in monitoring and managing chronic diseases, but their success relies on making them accessible and user-friendly for diverse demographics, including low-income families and the elderly.
- With the advancement of digital health technology in medical-conditions like heart disease, technology companies and scientists should focus on conducting research to address the challenges faced in the adoption and effectiveness of devices related to health-and-wellness, particularly those designed for chronic-diseases management.
