Digital Therapeutics

Digital Therapeutics is one of the novel concepts of evidence-based clinical practice for the management of diseases via software. The main aim of digital therapeutics is to improve the clinical outcomes, reduce healthcare cost and promote patient satisfaction. Examples for digital therapeutics include mobile devices, apps, sensors and other IoT devices. Since the non-communicable disease is prevalent in the community and accounts for 80% of healthcare cost, the digital therapeutics is concentrating on lifestyle modification and prevention strategies. The principles of digital therapeutic products are, it should be useful for preventing or managing a disease condition; should have an intervention strategy driven by software; ensure patient privacy; user friendly; and collect real-world data to promote evidence-based practice

Digital therapeutics will be effective only when patients, caregivers and clinicians can access the data and act proactively when the situation needs. At the same time, it should ensure the privacy of the patient. Studies have done to analyze the cost-effectiveness of such interventions especially in HT and DM and found that 97-145 dollars per patient per month (PPPM) could be saved and achieved almost 25-30% reduction in total medical costs. This was observed in patients with moderate to severe disease states. It is also is proven that the benefits of these interventions are comparable to drug treatment and helps to taper or deprescribe medicines for a few patients.

Many Pharmaceutical and IT companies are focusing on digital therapeutics, which helps the patient and health professionals to monitor the progress of disease or effectiveness of therapy. The software used in such devices collects the data from all perspective including physical, mental and behavioural aspects. This method is used in many clinical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, COPD, CHF, Alzheimer’s, obesity, depression and so on. Prevention of DM & obesity is the field of interest for many researchers. Along with the treatment pattern, this method can be used for smoking cessation and other lifestyle modifications. Asthma MD, Autism and developmental delay screening app, CKD app, Cure App for liver disease, Mood hacker app for mental illness etc. are some of the healthcare apps widely available. All these apps track patient behaviour and give personalized information for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Because of the present scenario, the use of health technologies will help patients to adjust with the lockdown restrictions and maintain social distancing. At the same time, this can reduce the burden on healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic.

-Dr. Suja Abraham