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The new era also witnessed the emergence of a terminology “Digital health” which is the combination of digital technologies and healthcare. Digital health can be considered as an application (software & hardware) used through smartphones or sensor devices for improving the health of the population and health care delivery. It cuts the communication gap between the physician and the patient.
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New Digital Health Technology
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CRISPR
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is gene-editing technology. In simple words, it is a genetic engineering tool that allows researchers to alter DNA sequences and change gene function by cutting out infected DNA strands.
Presently the technology under review is controversial. Most people think that it’s an interference with God’s authorities and unethical. Furthermore, religious and spiritual leaders also join the bioethical intonation. [2]
Smart inhalers
Bluetooth-enabled smart inhalers are developed for asthmatic patients. The attached device records the date and time of each dose, then share it with the physician and patient on their smartphones or tablets. [3]
Three-dimensional (3D) printing
It is a technology that constructs a physical model from digital data. These printers create implants and joints which are to be applied during operation. 3-D-printed prosthetics are made according to the patient’s required specifications and measurement. [4]
Artificial Organs
There are three types of artificial organs, namely; mechanical (polymer/metal), biomechanical (polymer/cell), and biological (cell). [5] The breakthrough of creating blood vessels, synthetic ovaries, and pancreas is a revolution, which could save millions of patients every year.
Virtual Reality (VR)
VR tools and devices give a real-life experience to the medical students in learning about human anatomy. It likewise aids the doctors to rehearse the procedures of a complicated operation. It assists patients with diagnosis, treatment plans and prepares them for minor or major procedures. In short, VR revolutionizes the fields of medical training, patient treatment, medical marketing, and disease awareness. [6]
Benefits of Digital Health
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Internet connection has made it possible for everyone to approach health services round the clock even in remote parts. Patients, doctors, and para-medical staff are easily tied in to resolve the medical issues.
Patients Self-Management
Digital health technologies allow the patients to monitor and run after their disease symptoms. Wearable devices and gadgets enable them to self-manage their health conditions regularly.
Doctor-Patient Communication
Fewer patients are discovered to be hesitant while discussing their condition with the physician or even unable to communicate their feelings. Modern technology reduces the communication gap between both ends. Telemedicine can be regarded as a good example to bridge this gap.Doctor-Doctor Communication
There are a number of patients who suffer from multiple diseases and require treatment from different specialists. A constant sharing of such patients’ details among specialists is very helpful for the patients. Digital health made it possible by linking the doctors/specialists on one grid.
mHealth Apps
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Improve Quality of Life
Patients using wearable gadgets, mHealth apps, monitoring sensors, etc receive an early warning or emergency signals in advance. They accord priority to healthcare advice provided by these digital accessories and take charge of their deteriorating health in advance.
Digital Health and Challenges
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Data Security
Before digital databases, records were kept through ledgers and registers under proper lock and key in safe custody. Now records are kept in discs and hard drives (database warehouses) which are more vulnerable and easier to breach. [9]
Data ConfidentialityConfidentiality always focuses on the protection of data from unlawful revelation. Threats of a physical and virtual breach through steeling and hacking respectively can’t be ruled out. [10]
Data Ownership
The storage, control, and maintenance of data are in the hands of private organizations. These organizations offer paid services to hospitals and medical substances. The access to the data by the government, semi-government, researchers, etc. is not possible without the consent and permission of the owners. According to new rules, which is underway, data ownership should be with the government and not the private organization. [11]
Cost of Technology
For the establishment of a humongous database warehouse, lots of funds are required. Since such technological advances need constant funding therefore governments are always under increasing pressure to offer more financial resources. [12] Private sector release finances and don’t share the ownership with others.
Inaccurate Diagnostics
Digital health tools are based on “Artificial Intelligence” and due to a mechanical, electrical, or hardware/software malfunction the clinical reports could be wrong. Such reports could be fatal to a patient who gets the wrong medication on erroneous diagnostics.
Conclusion
Digital health has a positive impact on the human race. The revolutionary medical advancements in the digital scenario have created an environment where a quick, remotely and responsive treatment to the patients can be promised. A significant amount of people disagrees to adapt the latest digital health, but even then, it is growing exponentially worldwide. The Earth is witnessing digital health groundbreaking inventions, innovations, and advances in the area of health care sector on an everyday base.
References
[1] WHO Guideline: Recommendations on Digital Interventions for Health System Strengthening https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/311941/9789241550505-eng.pdf?ua=1
[2] Michael Chang, “CRISPR: The Promise and Controversy”
[3] “Smart inhalers”
[4] Anna Aimar et. al. “The Role of 3D Printing in Medical Applications: A State of the Art” Journal of Healthcare Engineering, Universitè Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, 2019
[5] Xiaohong Wang, “Bioartificial Organ Manufacturing Technologies”, 2018
[6] “Virtual Reality in Healthcare” https://visualise.com/virtual-reality/virtual-reality-healthcare
[7] Alicia Phaneuf, “How mHealth apps are providing solutions to the healthcare market's problems”, Business Insider, 2019 https://www.businessinsider.com/mhealth-apps-definition-examples
[8] “11 surprising mobile health statistics” para 2, Mobius MD, 2019 https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+mHealth+apps&rlz=1C1RLNS_enPK890PK890&oq=how+many+mHealth+apps&aqs=chrome..69i57.14822j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 What Do Mobile Health Apps Do?
[9] Saiqa Aleem et. al. “Security Issues in Data Warehouse” https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1507/1507.05644.pdf
[10] “Managing data confidentiality” University of Delaware, 2018
[11] “Principles for Digital Development.” Principles for Digital Development. The Principles; n.d. [accessed 2019 Jan 19].
[12] Team Fund. New directions in private sector capital for global health technology innovation; 2016 [accessed 2019 Jan 19].
http://teamfundhealth.org/new-directions-in-private-sector-capital-for-global-health-technology-innovation [Google Scholar]
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