Digital health tools are changing how we do healthcare. Let’s take a look at the fascinating realm of digital health and discuss the profound impact technology is making on healthcare as we know it.
With newer technologies in place, healthcare systems are enhancing workflows, boosting communication, and enabling more personalized care. This has resulted in more informed decision-making, increasingly efficient patient monitoring, and timely interventions that significantly improve patient outcomes. As the digital health landscape continues to evolve, its potential to enhance patient care and outcomes grows increasingly significant. But what tools qualify as digital health?
What is digital health?
Digital health refers to the integration of digital technologies into healthcare to enhance the delivery, accessibility, and management of health services. It’s a quickly evolving field that encompasses a wide range of tools and applications, including telemedicine, mobile health apps, wearable devices, electronic health records, and generative AI.
Telemedicine has gained increased prominence since the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing more patients to consult healthcare providers remotely. Mobile health apps empower individuals to track their health metrics, manage chronic conditions, and access health information. Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, monitor vital signs and encourage healthier lifestyles by providing real-time feedback. Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize medicine by assisting in medical image analysis, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans.
Digital health also supports personalized medicine, where treatments can be tailored to individual needs through data analytics and artificial intelligence. This shift enhances patient engagement by inviting individuals to become more involved in their healthcare decisions.
Despite the many benefits, digital health faces a variety of challenges, including data privacy concerns, the need for regulatory frameworks, and the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to and knowledge of digital technologies and those who do not (e.g., older patients, patients with lower incomes, underfunded hospitals in rural areas, and those who live in places without the infrastructure to support digital tools). Even so, as technology continues to advance, digital health has the potential to transform healthcare systems, improve patient outcomes, and promote health equity. Ultimately, it represents a significant step toward a more connected and efficient healthcare landscape.

The History of Digital Health
The development of digital health is marked by several important milestones that reflect the expanding intersection of technology and healthcare. One of the earliest foundations was laid in 1989 with the establishment of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA). This organization’s goal was to promote the effective use of information technology in health and medical practices, highlighting the importance of informatics in improving patient care.
In 1993, the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) was founded, advocating for the advancement of telemedicine practices. This marked a pivotal moment in digital health, as it aimed to enhance access to care through technology, particularly for underserved populations. Telemedicine began to gain traction, laying the groundwork for remote consultations and the eventual rise of virtual healthcare.
Fast forward to 2005, when the development of digital therapeutics emerged with companies like WellDoc. These evidence-based interventions were designed to treat medical conditions using software programs, representing a significant leap toward integrating technology directly into patient care. Digital therapeutics offered personalized treatment plans, allowing patients to manage chronic conditions effectively.
Using a new term coined by Dr. Tom Ferguson in 2007, the concept of the “e-patient” emerged, emphasizing the role of patients in managing their health through technology. This saw the introduction of fitness trackers like Fitbit, which encouraged people to take a proactive approach to their health and wellness by tracking physical activity and health metrics.
In 2017, the FDA launched its digital health unit to better regulate and support the integration of digital technologies into healthcare. In 2018, the American Medical Association (AMA) published an artificial intelligence (AI) policy, addressing the ethical implications and potential benefits of AI in healthcare. This policy reflected a growing recognition of AI’s vast potential in diagnostics, treatment, and patient care.
The landscape shifted dramatically in 2020 with the FDA’s approval of the first AI-guided device for use in the US, which integrated AI into clinical practice. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of digital health solutions, as healthcare providers and patients turned to telehealth and digital platforms to maintain continuity of care during lockdowns and social distancing measures.
Current Use of Digital Health
A 2022 study conducted by the AMA gives a good overview of the current use of digital health products:
- 68% of patients were likely to choose a provider with online booking capabilities
- 40% of providers plan to adopt augmented intelligence
- 52% of patients acquire health information using chatbots
- 80% of patients were making use of virtual visits (keeping in mind that this was during the pandemic when other options were limited)
- 30% of clinicians were making use of remote monitoring devices
The goal is to make use of technology to provide quality care to patients, with digital healthcare tools touching every aspect of patient care at both an individual and population level, including:
- Primary prevention and screening
- Diagnosis and staging
- Treatment
- Surveillance and self-management
This goal can be achieved by using various products and tools, improving how data is used to improve health results, and offering services that meet the healthcare needs of the population. In the not-too-distant future, all aspects of patient care and clinical practice management are likely to be touched by digital healthcare technology.

Definitions
To properly understand digital health tools, it’s important to understand some basic definitions:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the capability of a computer system to mimic human cognitive functions.
- Machine Learning (ML) is when AI is applied through mathematical data models to help the computer learn.
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) allows for the collection of data from the patient which is sent to the provider.
- The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of connected devices that allow communication between providers and patients.
- Decision Support Systems (DSS) are a group of tools that help clinicians make better patient healthcare decisions by providing relevant information to the clinician.
- Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) is the set of standards and specifications that enable the transfer of electronic health records and data between providers. This helps ensure HIPPA compliance.
Wearables
Wearables make up some of the most common and well-known digital health tools. They provide important health information in real-time and include:
- Watches/rings that monitor your vital signs, such as heart rate and oxygen levels.
- Skin patches/digital tattoos are smart tattoos that can track vital biomarkers and signs, including blood sugar, blood pressure, hydration, electrolytes, and heart rate.
- Chest straps collect information relating to vital signs.
- Glucose monitors are useful in controlling blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics.
- EKG wearables allow an EKG to be taken anywhere.
- An artificial pancreas mimics the human pancreas to control blood sugar levels.
- Virtual reality is used in surgical training and pain management.
App Categories and Growth
Apps are playing an increasingly important role in healthcare and can be broken down into four broad categories:
- Lifestyle apps have evolved beyond basic monitoring to provide valuable information that can be applied to specific situations, such as fitness levels, nutrition, and weight loss.
- Patient apps that assist with patient monitoring and reminders or alerts.
- Clinician apps might relate to electronic health records or online consults.
- Regulatory apps help ensure medical compliance.
With the growth in healthcare apps over the past decade which incorporate everything from general lifestyle apps to apps specific to a disease or condition, the reality is that apps will soon be prescribed to help better manage healthcare. And as technology improves, the apps that cater to chronic conditions and their management are coming to the fore. In fact, apps are currently being used to manage conditions related to:
- Dermatology
- Cardiology
- Fitness
- Behavioral and mental health
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Endocrine and metabolic disorders
- Surgery
Digital Therapeutics
Digital therapeutics are evidence-based interventions delivered via software programs, designed to prevent, manage, or treat medical conditions. They play a crucial role in chronic disease management, mental health, and even behavioral health, providing personalized care that traditional therapies may lack. As the digital therapeutics landscape has evolved, it’s offered innovative solutions that optimize medication management and enhance disease prevention, treatment, and patient management.
One of the primary functions of digital therapeutics is optimizing medication adherence. Many patients struggle to take medications as prescribed, leading to poor health outcomes. Digital therapeutics use reminders, educational tools, and gamification to encourage adherence, empowering patients to take charge of their health. These platforms also provide healthcare providers with real-time data, allowing for real-time adjustments to treatment plans.
In managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, digital therapeutics offer tailored programs that include monitoring tools, dietary recommendations, and exercise plans. For example, apps like WellDoc provide real-time feedback based on user inputs, helping patients manage their blood glucose levels more effectively.
Digital therapeutics are increasingly being recognized for the role they play in preventing diseases. Interactive platforms encourage users to engage in physical activity, track their nutrition, and cultivate mental wellness, thus fostering holistic health. By promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes, these solutions can mitigate the risk of conditions such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Smart Home Technology
Smart Home technology is transforming the healthcare landscape by creating environments that enhance patient care, promote wellness, and facilitate independent living. This approach takes advantage of interconnected devices and systems to monitor health, support daily activities, and ensure safety, particularly for older adults and individuals with chronic conditions.
This state-of-the-art technology is increasingly intersecting with healthcare through innovations of everyday items like televisions, fashion/clothing, and even silverware!
Smart TVs can serve as health hubs, offering telehealth services and wellness programming. Many smart televisions support applications that provide guided workouts, meditation, or educational content on managing chronic diseases. This level of accessibility encourages healthy habits and facilitates virtual consultations, making healthcare more engaging and convenient.
Clothing manufacturers are also evolving in the use of health-monitoring capabilities. Wearable technology embedded in clothing can track vital data like heart rate and activity levels, which can be shared with healthcare providers, promoting proactive health management and personalized care. In addition, clothing that incorporates sensors can help detect potential health issues before they escalate, offering a seamless way for individuals to monitor their well-being.
Smart utensils equipped with sensors can aid individuals with eating difficulties, such as those recovering from strokes or with neurodegenerative diseases. They can also change the taste of food so that it is more amenable to the user. These devices can provide feedback on eating habits, encouraging healthier choices and making mealtime safer and more enjoyable.
As we peer into the future and imagine a world where healthcare providers see patients in their homes, there are a range of tools that will be necessary to properly assess the patient. Currently, a variety of virtual tools, including the following, are in development:
- Stethoscope
- Otoscope/Ophthalmoscope
- Peak flow meter
- Ultrasound
- ECG
- O2 sleep monitor
- Thermometer
Voice Example
One promising area where significant research has been done is using a patient’s voice to assist in the diagnosis of conditions such as Parkinson’s, respiratory illness, depression, and Alzheimer’s. Diagnosing these conditions using digital tools involves detecting changes in a person’s voice and comparing it with AI to known voice patterns to assist in the diagnosis of certain illnesses. In some instances, it may be detectable before the patient even presents with any signs or symptoms!
Generative Artificial Intelligence
There are a range of products that fall into the category of generative AI:
- ClinicalKey AI
- ChatGPT
- Gemini
- Claude
- Anthropic
- DALLE
Generative artificial intelligence is useful in supplementing a clinician’s information but isn’t currently in full use as a diagnostic tool. However, we expect this area to evolve quickly. Keep an eye on this rapidly growing area of digital health.

The Future of Digital Health Tools
The future of healthcare will likely be delivered beyond the walls of a hospital, with doctors seeing patients virtually in the patient’s home. As technology and processes evolve, it will likely lead to changes to the training of the healthcare workforce with digital literacy playing an increased role in day-to-day patient interactions. However, before this can happen, work will need to be done to ensure the safety of any digital tools along with the creation of guidelines and regulations relating to their safe use and effectiveness. Despite their potential, none of these tools will negate the need for healthcare providers, who will continue to play a vital role in assisting their patients to navigate their healthcare options and outcomes.
Curious about the future of digital health tools? Watch our webinar with Dr. Dipu Patel, Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes
About the Author
Dr. Dipu Patel (DMSc, ABAIM, MPAS, PA-C), is a Professor and Vice Chair for Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. She’s a published author and has clinical experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, and hematology/oncology. She’s served on several boards including the Physician Assistant Education Association, the Governor’s Advisory Council-Task Force on Foreign-Born Healthcare Professionals in Massachusetts, and the Foreign-Trained Medical Professional Commission. She has developed and taught a wide array of courses that speak to clinical diagnosis and reasoning, evidence-based medicine, health policy, physical exam and history taking, classroom technology, and professional development. She continues to serve as chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Physician Assistants. Before joining the Department of PA Studies, she served as director of Clinical Pathways at a healthcare technology startup, where she led a team of global clinicians to ensure that each clinical pathway is provider-driven and patient-centered. Incorporating clinical skills and knowledge with new technology that enhances patient education and advocacy is what drives her work.
Her scholarly interests include healthcare innovation, technology, and workforce development. Her work has been presented at the state and national levels and she is committed to developing future leaders while collaborating with interdisciplinary colleagues.
Resources
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok5RucH09Sw
- https://www.raconteur.net/infographics/wearable-healthcare-tech
- https://www.americantelemed.org/
- https://imia-medinfo.org/wp/
- https://www.welldoc.com/
- https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/digital-health-center-excellence/what-digital-health
- https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/digital/augmented-intelligence-medicine
- https://www.edps.europa.eu/press-publications/publications/techsonar/digital-therapeutics-dtx_en
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-023-00777-z
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7380804/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10141305/
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-marketing-first-cardiac-ultrasound-software-uses-artificial-intelligence-guide-user
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