Digital health is very broad and has several definitions. It is defined as using computer-generated software to increase the overall quality of life by enhancing wellness and health. According to Tan (2019), the digital health market has been growing in recent years, reaching $11.1 billion. According to the National Health Expenditures (NHE), a projection in price growth for medical goods and services is expected to accelerate averaging 2.4 percent per year for 2019-28. The Health share of the economy is projected to rise from 17.7 percent in 2018 to 19.7 percent in 2028.
We have also seen a rise in wearable medical devices which help collect health data. According to Digital Authority Partners, a recent report shows that the market for wearable medical devices will be reaching 27 million by 2023.
Elaborate on how digital health impacts healthcare.
Include the following aspects in the discussion:
1) What are some current innovations in reference to digital health?
2) What are some advantages and disadvantages to digital health?
3) What are some of the advantages of using wearable technology?
4) Discuss the impact of wearable technology in healthcare.
REPLY TO MY CLASSMATE’S DISCUSSION TO THE ABOVE QUESTION AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE. (MINIMUM OF 300 WORDS)
CLASSMATE’S POST
Technology is improving not just commercial and educational institutions, but also health care facilities and services. Healthcare has evolved rapidly since it adopted digital technology. Most of our needs for a healthy life have been met by the digitization of medical and clinical aspects. According to US official news (2014), the current revolution in digital health technology presents exciting opportunities to radically change and improve models of health care delivery. Digital health has had a positive impact on both physical and mental health therapy, acting as a catalyst for advancement. Moving forward, mobile devices and software like wearable gadgets and applications have been developed for healthcare purposes. Mobile devices, smart watches, pacemaker recorders, and other applications on the watch such as echocardiograms and pulse rate studies are extensively employed as technology evolves. Multiple gadgets include video chat capabilities and support for patients with mental health issues, medical disabilities, and other challenges. According to the article by Gottlieb & Shuren (2018), the main objectives of these are to enable consumers to have active engagement and access to real-time health-related information.
Because of the efficiency and effectiveness of digital health services, they are superior to those provided by more traditional means. Because of the accessibility and affordability of mobile and wearable devices, individuals are now able to collect more personal health data than ever before (Andrews et al., 2021). People with severe mental health problems also report using forums and social media websites in order to self-manage and improve their mental health (Bucci et al., 2019). With a few clicks or swipes, patients may manage and monitor their health records. Digital health tools have encouraged more patients and consumers to self-care. All of the devices will help consumers seek care sooner and learn more about their health.
Despite their many benefits, digital devices have certain drawbacks. Using devices to collect health data will lead to numerous health risks. According to Bahkir & Grandee (2020), consumers using digital devices for long periods of time are developing digital eye strain; evaporative dry eyes due to an incomplete blink rate. Devices merely collect data, not understand it. The device costs are still considerable and need to be examined so that the majority of consumers can benefit from these new health breakthroughs. Experts in the field are hard to come by, so prices may be higher. Collaboration between a hospital and a production company may help save costs. Despite their high cost, wearable devices are the latest fashion or self-health trends.
Wearable devices are used to track daily health activities and give therapy. These devices have helped many people monitor their cardiac rhythm and seek care when there is an irregularity. According to the article from NewsRx (2021), health wearable devices are effective intervention tools/strategies for reducing body weight and BMI in individuals with overweight/obesity and chronic comorbidities. These devices not only monitor but also provide therapeutic services, improving both physical and mental health.
References:
Andrews, J. A., Craven, M. P., Lang, A. R., Guo, B., Morriss, R., & Hollis, C. (2021). The impact of data from remote measurement technology on the clinical practice of healthcare professionals in depression, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis: survey. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 21(1), NA. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A681631331/GPS?u=kan38982&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=654c148d
Bahkir, F., & Grandee, S. (2020). Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on digital device-related ocular health. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 68(11), 2378–2383. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_2306_20
Bucci, S., Schwannauer, M., & Berry, N. (2019). The digital revolution and its impact on mental health care. Psychology & Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 92(2), 277–297. https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12222
Findings from University of Minnesota Twin Cities Provide New Insights into Obesity (Health Wearable Devices for Weight and Bmi Reduction In Individuals With Overweight/obesity and Chronic Comorbidities: Systematic Review and Network …). (2021). Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week, 1004. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A674395779/GPS?u=kan38982&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=00d47fd9
Gottlieb, S., &Shuren, J. (2018). Spurring innovation in digital health. Internal Medicine News, 51(16), 16C. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A562689269/GPS?u=kan38982&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=4063ec49
Washington: Pocket-GP app promises to cut healthcare costs. (2014, May 12). US Official News. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A367839028/GPS?u=kan38982&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=26f3fa210
