What does the digitalisation of health mean for patients?

One key application of technology is to make people’s lives easier, and the digitalisation of health has done just that. Doctors have access to diagnostic technologies and digitalised medical records and patients can quickly book appointments and order prescriptions online. But patients’ benefits of the digitalisation of health go a lot deeper than saving time.

Digital health is the application of technology within healthcare and encompasses tools like telemedicine, electronic records, wearable devices and portable diagnostics. Technologies such as artificial intelligence have the ability to push healthcare into a new era of improved diagnosis and individualised treatment. But it’s the technologies such as health apps, electronic health records and wearables that are already impacting our everyday lives and improving the health of all patients.

Engagement and empowerment

Patients are more engaged with their health than ever before. Digitalisation has made the healthcare system more transparent, with easy access to doctors’ notes, test results and medication details. This enables patients to be more involved in decisions regarding their health and increases the trust between doctors and patients. Patients can see the information doctors use to make decisions and do their own research about their condition and treatment, further increasing engagement.

The increasing availability and popularity of health apps is also part of the reason patients are so engaged with their health. They empower patients by offering immersive ways to learn about health. Patients can also increase their understanding and management of their condition by receiving personalised feedback without having to make an appointment. Learning more about their health motivates patients to take ownership of their health management. Health apps also support perseverance of self-management by making tracking symptoms and behaviours quick and easy.

Self-management and prevention

Digital health technologies enable self-management of health and focus on preventing illness. Patients with chronic illnesses can especially benefit from digital health technologies. Such solutions can support these patients by increasing their medication compliance, improving communication with their doctor and empowering them to make lifestyle changes that will benefit their condition. Devices used to track measurements, such as blood pressure, at frequent intervals increase the information available to both the patient and their doctor and can be used to spot patterns and build a more personalised treatment plan.

Even for people who are considered healthy, the rise of digitalised health has led to a prevention-oriented mindset. We are all more aware of lifestyle choices that impact our health and are willing to make adjustments with the support of digital technologies. Tracking health data and behaviours makes us more accountable and likely to take preventative action.

Summary

Patients are more empowered and well-equipped to manage their own health because of the digitalisation of health. They can receive the information they need to make decisions about their health and to self-manage their conditions. On the whole, people are more focused on prevention and are willing to make lifestyle changes to benefit their long term and short term health thanks to how easy and engaging digital technologies make it.

Bibliography

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Digitalization in healthcare empowers patients. (2021). Retrieved 19 May 2022, from https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/digitalization-healthcare-empowers-patients

5 Benefits of Digital Health Systems. (2019). Retrieved 19 May 2022, from https://www.inofab.health/article/5-benefits-of-digital-health-systems

The Digitalisation of Healthcare. (2020). Retrieved 19 May 2022, from https://healthmanagement.org/c/hospital/issuearticle/the-digitalisation-of-healthcare