The impact of digital health

Digital health focuses on the application of digital technologies to all aspects of healthcare, enabling accessible, quality, and equitable patient-centred care for anyone who needs it.

Here, Dr Teresa Castiello, renowned consultant cardiologist based in London, provides an expert insight into digital health and its impact on the future of healthcare.

What is digital health?

Digital health refers to the use of digital technologies such as smartphones, wearable devices, and online platforms to deliver healthcare services, manage health information, and promote wellness. It encompasses a wide range of applications, including telemedicine, mobile health apps, electronic health records (EHRs), remote monitoring devices, and health information systems.

How can digital health impact our daily lives?

Digital health has the potential to significantly impact our daily lives in several ways, by:

• Improving access to healthcare services: Digital health can improve access to healthcare services by enabling remote consultations and telemedicine, especially for patients who live in rural areas or areas that have less accessibility to services.
• Promoting self-care: Digital health allows patients to monitor and manage their health using wearable devices and smartphone apps, promoting self-care and preventive health practices.
• Facilitating collaboration: Digital health facilitates the storage and sharing of health information, making it easier for clinicians to collaborate and co-ordinate care.

What are the benefits of digital health technologies?

Digital health technologies offer numerous benefits, including:

• Increased efficiency: Digital health technologies enhance convenience and efficiency by reducing the need for in-person visits, minimising waiting times, and enabling 24/7 access to health information.
• Empowerment of patients: Digital health technologies can empower patients to take an active role in managing their health, promoting self-monitoring and facilitating early detection of health issues.
• Provision of direct access: Digital health technologies enable direct access to specialist care, bridging the gap between patients and clinicians.
• Improvement of outcomes: Digital health technologies have the potential to improve healthcare outcomes by facilitating data-driven decision-making, personalised treatment plans, and preventive interventions.

What concerns are there surrounding digital health?

While digital health offers promising opportunities, there are also concerns that need to be addressed, including:

• Data protection: The privacy and security of health data are major concerns, as the use of digital health technologies involves the collection and storage of personal health information. Ensuring data confidentiality and protection against breaches is crucial.
• Access to digital health technologies: There is concern about the potential for unequal access to digital health technologies, as not everyone may have the necessary resources or digital skills to benefit from these advancements.
• Regulation of digital health technologies: There is a need for regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and ethical use of digital health technologies.

How do you think digital health will develop in the future?

In the future, digital health is expected to continue evolving and transforming healthcare.

We can anticipate advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, enabling more accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment recommendations, and predictive analytics. Simultaneously, the integration of wearable devices and sensors with healthcare systems will likely become more seamless, allowing continuous monitoring and real-time feedback.

As well as this, we may also see increased adoption of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies in health education, training, and patient care. However, it is important to ensure that these advancements are implemented ethically, with a focus on patient-centred care, data privacy, and equitable access for all.

Digital health cannot and will not replace human interaction between patients and clinicians. If embraced with deep empathy and medical experience, digital health can support rather than replace the patient-doctor relationship.

Dr Teresa Castiello is a leading cardiologist who has emphasized the importance of prevention and early diagnosis in healthcare throughout her decade-long professional trajectory.

If you require Dr Castiello’s expert care, don’t hesitate to book an appointment via her Top Doctors profile today.