The use of technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality has accelerated digital transformation in healthcare to solve problems that exist in healthcare delivery.
Since traditional healthcare cannot adequately respond to current demands, we face the rise of Digital Therapeutics (DTx) — a fast-emerging class of therapies that utilizes software programs to treat disease, both as a standalone or for treatment optimization.
Wearables, sensors, and mobile technologies that combine artificial intelligence (AI) and human involvement give closed-loop feedback that learns, understands, regulates, and adjusts therapies within the complex interplay between human biology, behavior, and environment.
And here, AI truly works in two directions — by helping to collect information about patients and analyzing their unique needs. AI empowers DTx tools to go beyond a helpful solution, turning it into a truly essential part in patient care
Tailored approach
There is no one-size-fits-all solution with something as nuanced and precise as digital health. However, AI has provided the opportunity to learn more about each patient as an individual, leading to more personalized care and removing barriers throughout their treatment journey.
Real-world data collection
Using AI's predictive analytics capabilities, advanced digital health systems can act quicker and more efficiently to avoid unnecessary emergent treatment, benefiting patients, payers, and overcrowded hospitals.
Patients' data helps develop the AI's predictive skills, allowing it to anticipate better patients' demands and issues based on their numerous attributes, such as age, gender, number of drugs, and medications.
Patient-generated reports
AI-powered DTx allows patients have direct access to personal health data.
Patient-reported data enables doctors to understand better how their priorities, challenges, and environment affect overall health.
Patient-reported data helps clinicians better understand how their priorities, challenges, and environment contribute to overall health.
The future of AI and DTx
Even though digital solutions will never fully replace the critical role of human contact, they can significantly support and amplify traditional care.
DTx success relies on seamless integration into current healthcare infrastructure and individual lifestyles. DTx strategy should consider how it can create value-add opportunities for the company, any gaps in internal DTx development capabilities, and, most importantly, how it can complement product portfolios to deliver holistic patient care.
DTx has the potential to be an efficient way to monitor symptoms, disease progression, and medication adherence, and when powered by AI, it can provide relevant feedback interventions for patients.
Final Thoughts
Artificial intelligence and digital biomarkers open a path for DTx to become "the next big thing" in healthcare. DTx plus artificial intelligence can adapt in real-time to the patient's current and predicted health state so that no traditional therapeutics can achieve.
