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Highlights
- Digital technology may be the way forward to shape a sustainable healthcare system for future
- Digital therapeutics (DTx) makes it easier for clinicians to personalise treatment plans by collecting, synthesising, and analysing patient data
- IoMT has enabled remote monitoring of patients with chronic or long-term diseases
- Connection with wearables and consumer electronics can track and capture patient data
The healthcare sector looks set for a bright future, thanks to advances in digital healthcare technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, or nanotechnology. In the healthcare sector, digital technology can build sustainable healthcare systems and deliver more effective medications for diseases. It also eases the relationship between doctors and patients, providing better care outcomes.
This article will discuss the two most popular technologies that have immense importance in shaping the healthcare system.
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Digital therapeutics in healthcare
Image source: © Elenabsl | Megapixl.com
Digital therapeutics (DTx) refers to the use of software products to treat medical problems. It supports various stages of the patient health care journey. It also makes it easier for clinicians to personalise treatment plans by collecting, synthesising, and analysing patient data. Several tech companies have developed innovative applications for patients to take greater control of their care.
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Mobile apps offer services of digital therapeutics such as: o Guidance on first aid administration o Work in combination with a drug routine to address more complex conditions o Use cognitive or motivational stimulation for aiding behavioural change o Connection with wearables and consumer electronics to track and capture patient data o Picking up wireless signals from a sensor embedded in the patient’s skin
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DTx differs from wellness applications because these are developed aiming at specific disease conditions. It focuses on major chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and pulmonary diseases. The technology puts more focus on delivering clinical outcomes.
Image source: © Andreypopov|Megapixl.com
Internet of Medical Things
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) or healthcare IoT is the collection of medical devices and applications that connect to healthcare IT systems through online computer networks. IoMT devices link to cloud platforms, on which captured data can be stored and analysed. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) market is estimated to be US$158.1 billion in 2022, as per a research study conducted by Deloitte UK Centre for Health Solutions.
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Examples of IoMT:
- Remote monitoring of patients with chronic or long-term diseases
- Tracking medication status and location of patients
Benefits of IoMT
- Improved patient outcomes
- Reduced costs
- Better diagnosis and treatment
- Better disease management
- Remote monitoring of chronic diseases
- Enhanced patient experience
- Better drug management
Challenges of IoT in healthcare
Data security: IoT-enabled devices capture real-time data, but most of them lack adherence to data protocols. This makes data more susceptible and prone to theft.
Connectivity problems: Many medical devices need real-time data access, during which network failures are a big problem. This is especially challenging in the case of mobile devices and wearables.
Integration of multiple devices: Manufacturers produce their own independent ecosystem of IoT devices, which are not compatible with the devices and applications of competing manufacturers. Such a situation makes data aggregation a problematic task.
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Aditi Sarkar - Healthcare Analyst (Biotechnology)402 PostsAditi covers content focused on healthcare and food & beverages sectors. She has a post-graduate degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding with Biotechnology as her minor subject. She has two co-authored scientific research publications in peer-reviewed ...
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Supriya Kumari - Research Editor2 PostsSupriya is a Research Editor at Kalkine. She comes with a rich experience of 11 years in online journalism. She has worked for leading media brands like Zee News & MSN Australia, specialising in world affairs. She is a Bachelor of Science (Honours) g...
