{"id":4486,"date":"2024-10-10T12:00:48","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T12:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=4486"},"modified":"2025-09-23T14:10:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T22:10:10","slug":"digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes","title":{"rendered":"Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#What_is_digital_health\" >What is digital health?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#The_History_of_Digital_Health\" >The History of Digital Health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#Current_Use_of_Digital_Health\" >Current Use of Digital Health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#Definitions\" >Definitions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#Wearables\" >Wearables<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#App_Categories_and_Growth\" >App Categories and Growth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#Digital_Therapeutics\" >Digital Therapeutics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#Smart_Home_Technology\" >Smart Home Technology<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#Voice_Example\" >Voice Example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#Generative_Artificial_Intelligence\" >Generative Artificial Intelligence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#The_Future_of_Digital_Health_Tools\" >The Future of Digital Health Tools<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#About_the_Author\" >About the Author<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\/#Resources\" >Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Digital health tools are changing how we do healthcare. Let\u2019s take a look at the fascinating realm of digital health and discuss the profound impact technology is making on healthcare as we know it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_digital_health\"><\/span>What is digital health?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/digital-health-center-excellence\/what-digital-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital health<\/a>&nbsp;refers to the integration of digital technologies into healthcare to enhance the delivery, accessibility, and management of health services. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2020\/07\/31\/telemedicine-changing-the-face-of-healthcare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Telemedicine<\/a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2024\/06\/11\/social-determinants-of-health-health-care-access-and-quality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">health equity<\/a>. Ultimately, it represents a significant step toward a more connected and efficient healthcare landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmosify.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/f8797ab1-aed5-11eb-9c66-f52617f478a6..png\" alt=\"A medical history record, or a file with a red cross on the front to indicate healthcare.\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_History_of_Digital_Health\"><\/span>The History of Digital Health<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/imia-medinfo.org\/wp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA)<\/a>. This organization\u2019s goal was to promote the effective use of information technology in health and medical practices, highlighting the importance of informatics in improving patient care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1993, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.americantelemed.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Telemedicine Association (ATA)<\/a>&nbsp;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fast forward to 2005, when the development of digital therapeutics emerged with companies like&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.welldoc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WellDoc<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using a new term coined by Dr. Tom Ferguson in 2007, the concept of the \u201ce-patient\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&#8217;s vast potential in diagnostics, treatment, and patient care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The landscape shifted dramatically in 2020 with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/fda-authorizes-marketing-first-cardiac-ultrasound-software-uses-artificial-intelligence-guide-user\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FDA&#8217;s approval of the first AI-guided device&nbsp;<\/a>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Current_Use_of_Digital_Health\"><\/span>Current Use of Digital Health<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 2022 study conducted by the AMA gives a good overview of the current use of digital health products:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>68% of patients were likely to choose a provider with online booking capabilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>40% of providers plan to adopt augmented intelligence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>52% of patients acquire health information using chatbots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>80% of patients were making use of virtual visits (keeping in mind that this was during the pandemic when other options were limited)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>30% of clinicians were making use of remote monitoring devices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Primary prevention and screening<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diagnosis and staging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surveillance and self-management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmosify.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/5b7c0e00-d17c-11ed-9352-01d0f322e4f8..png\" alt=\"A robot hand holding a looking glass or magnifying lens.\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Definitions\"><\/span>Definitions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To properly understand digital health tools, it\u2019s important to understand some basic definitions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI)<\/strong>\u00a0is the capability of a computer system to mimic human cognitive functions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Machine Learning (ML)\u00a0<\/strong>is when AI is applied through mathematical data models to help the computer learn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)\u00a0<\/strong>allows for the collection of data from the patient which is sent to the provider.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Internet of Things (IoT)\u00a0<\/strong>is a network of connected devices that allow communication between providers and patients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Decision Support Systems (DSS)\u00a0<\/strong>are a group of tools that help clinicians make better patient healthcare decisions by providing relevant information to the clinician.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)\u00a0<\/strong>is the set of standards and specifications that enable the transfer of electronic health records and data between providers. This helps ensure HIPPA compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wearables\"><\/span>Wearables<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wearables make up some of the most common and well-known digital health tools. They provide important health information in real-time and include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Watches\/rings that monitor your vital signs, such as heart rate and oxygen levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ok5RucH09Sw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Skin patches\/digital tattoos<\/a>\u00a0are smart tattoos that can track vital biomarkers and signs, including blood sugar, blood pressure, hydration, electrolytes, and heart rate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chest straps collect information relating to vital signs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Glucose monitors are useful in controlling blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>EKG wearables allow an EKG to be taken anywhere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An artificial pancreas mimics the human pancreas to control blood sugar levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Virtual reality is used in surgical training and pain management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"App_Categories_and_Growth\"><\/span>App Categories and Growth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apps are playing an increasingly important role in healthcare and can be broken down into four broad categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Lifestyle apps<\/em>\u00a0have evolved beyond basic monitoring to provide valuable information that can be applied to specific situations, such as fitness levels, nutrition, and weight loss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Patient apps<\/em>\u00a0that assist with patient monitoring and reminders or alerts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Clinician apps<\/em>\u00a0might relate to electronic health records or online consults.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Regulatory apps<\/em>\u00a0help ensure medical compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dermatology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cardiology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fitness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Behavioral and mental health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Endocrine and metabolic disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surgery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Digital_Therapeutics\"><\/span>Digital Therapeutics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s offered innovative solutions that optimize medication management and enhance disease prevention, treatment, and patient management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmosify-src.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/f7120c70-7c39-11ef-8eaf-b3f298a05620.png\" alt=\"Three healthcare professionals discuss a new digital health tool on a computer.\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Smart_Home_Technology\"><\/span>Smart Home Technology<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This state-of-the-art technology is increasingly intersecting with healthcare through innovations of everyday items like televisions, fashion\/clothing, and even silverware!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2020\/06\/03\/the-approach-formula-accommodating-patients-with-disabilities-on-the-spot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">managing chronic diseases<\/a>. This level of accessibility encourages healthy habits and facilitates virtual consultations, making healthcare more engaging and convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smart utensils equipped with sensors can aid individuals with eating difficulties, such as those recovering from strokes or with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Nervous_system:_Neurodegenerative_diseases\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">neurodegenerative diseases<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stethoscope<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Otoscope\/Ophthalmoscope<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peak flow meter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ultrasound<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ECG<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>O2 sleep monitor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thermometer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Voice_Example\"><\/span>Voice Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One promising area where significant research has been done is using a patient\u2019s voice to assist in the diagnosis of conditions such as Parkinson\u2019s, respiratory illness, depression, and Alzheimer\u2019s. Diagnosing these conditions using digital tools involves detecting changes in a person\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Generative_Artificial_Intelligence\"><\/span>Generative Artificial Intelligence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a range of products that fall into the category of generative AI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elsevier.health\/en-US\/clinicalkey-ai\/clinicalkey-ai-empowering-clinical-pharmacists\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ClinicalKey AI<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ChatGPT<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gemini<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Claude<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anthropic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DALLE<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generative artificial intelligence is useful in supplementing a clinician\u2019s information but isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmosify.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2de31bd3-abcc-11ed-b065-0b08856f6ab0..png\" alt=\"Laptop open with gears and circuits on the screen to represent new technologies.\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Future_of_Digital_Health_Tools\"><\/span>The Future of Digital Health Tools<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The future of healthcare will likely be delivered beyond the walls of a hospital, with doctors seeing patients virtually in the patient\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Curious about the future of digital health tools?<\/strong>&nbsp;Watch our webinar with Dr. Dipu Patel,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/events\/video\/digital-health-tools:-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\">Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Author\"><\/span>About the Author<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dipupatel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Dr. Dipu Patel (DMSc, ABAIM, MPAS, PA-C),<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;is a Professor and Vice Chair for Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.elsevier.com\/books\/digital-health\/patel\/978-0-443-23901-4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">She&#8217;s a published author<\/a>&nbsp;and has clinical experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, and hematology\/oncology. She&#8217;s served on several boards including the Physician Assistant Education Association, the Governor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Resources\"><\/span>Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ok5RucH09Sw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ok5RucH09Sw<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.raconteur.net\/infographics\/wearable-healthcare-tech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.raconteur.net\/infographics\/wearable-healthcare-tech<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.americantelemed.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.americantelemed.org\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/imia-medinfo.org\/wp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/imia-medinfo.org\/wp\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.welldoc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.welldoc.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/digital-health-center-excellence\/what-digital-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/digital-health-center-excellence\/what-digital-health<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/practice-management\/digital\/augmented-intelligence-medicine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/practice-management\/digital\/augmented-intelligence-medicine<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edps.europa.eu\/press-publications\/publications\/techsonar\/digital-therapeutics-dtx_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.edps.europa.eu\/press-publications\/publications\/techsonar\/digital-therapeutics-dtx_en<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41746-023-00777-z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41746-023-00777-z<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7380804\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7380804\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10141305\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10141305\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/fda-authorizes-marketing-first-cardiac-ultrasound-software-uses-artificial-intelligence-guide-user\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/fda-authorizes-marketing-first-cardiac-ultrasound-software-uses-artificial-intelligence-guide-user<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Digital health tools are changing how we do healthcare. Let\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":189,"featured_media":4713,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4486","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pa"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Digital health tools are changing how we do healthcare. Let\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-10-10T12:00:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-23T22:10:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/Webinar_B2C_Digital_Health_Tools_Empowering_PAs_for_Better_Patient_Outcomes_JTD.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Dipu Patel, DMSc, ABAIM, MPAS, PA-C\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Dipu Patel, DMSc, ABAIM, MPAS, PA-C\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/324bd5fc60a07b73309dc9ebb0aac3bc\"},\"headline\":\"Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-10-10T12:00:48+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-23T22:10:10+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\"},\"wordCount\":2447,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/Webinar_B2C_Digital_Health_Tools_Empowering_PAs_for_Better_Patient_Outcomes_JTD.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Physician Assistants\/Associates (PA)\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\",\"name\":\"Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes - Osmosis Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/Webinar_B2C_Digital_Health_Tools_Empowering_PAs_for_Better_Patient_Outcomes_JTD.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-10-10T12:00:48+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-23T22:10:10+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/Webinar_B2C_Digital_Health_Tools_Empowering_PAs_for_Better_Patient_Outcomes_JTD.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/Webinar_B2C_Digital_Health_Tools_Empowering_PAs_for_Better_Patient_Outcomes_JTD.png\",\"width\":1080,\"height\":1080},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Osmosis Blog\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Osmosis Blog\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png\",\"width\":1276,\"height\":596,\"caption\":\"Osmosis Blog\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/324bd5fc60a07b73309dc9ebb0aac3bc\",\"name\":\"Dipu Patel, DMSc, ABAIM, MPAS, PA-C\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/19867197016a13c09f82596300d8c680c62642c86a3f76a1b5c2359673b61b87?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/19867197016a13c09f82596300d8c680c62642c86a3f76a1b5c2359673b61b87?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Dipu Patel, DMSc, ABAIM, MPAS, PA-C\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dipupatel\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/author\/dipupatel\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes - Osmosis Blog","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes - Osmosis Blog","og_description":"Digital health tools are changing how we do healthcare. Let\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes","og_site_name":"Osmosis Blog","article_published_time":"2024-10-10T12:00:48+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-09-23T22:10:10+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1080,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/Webinar_B2C_Digital_Health_Tools_Empowering_PAs_for_Better_Patient_Outcomes_JTD.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Dipu Patel, DMSc, ABAIM, MPAS, PA-C","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes"},"author":{"name":"Dipu Patel, DMSc, ABAIM, MPAS, PA-C","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/324bd5fc60a07b73309dc9ebb0aac3bc"},"headline":"Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes","datePublished":"2024-10-10T12:00:48+00:00","dateModified":"2025-09-23T22:10:10+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes"},"wordCount":2447,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/Webinar_B2C_Digital_Health_Tools_Empowering_PAs_for_Better_Patient_Outcomes_JTD.png","articleSection":["Physician Assistants\/Associates (PA)"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes","name":"Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes - Osmosis Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/Webinar_B2C_Digital_Health_Tools_Empowering_PAs_for_Better_Patient_Outcomes_JTD.png","datePublished":"2024-10-10T12:00:48+00:00","dateModified":"2025-09-23T22:10:10+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/Webinar_B2C_Digital_Health_Tools_Empowering_PAs_for_Better_Patient_Outcomes_JTD.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/Webinar_B2C_Digital_Health_Tools_Empowering_PAs_for_Better_Patient_Outcomes_JTD.png","width":1080,"height":1080},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/digital-health-tools-empowering-pas-for-better-patient-outcomes#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Digital Health Tools: Empowering PAs for Better Patient Outcomes"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/","name":"Osmosis Blog","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization","name":"Osmosis Blog","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png","width":1276,"height":596,"caption":"Osmosis Blog"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/324bd5fc60a07b73309dc9ebb0aac3bc","name":"Dipu Patel, DMSc, ABAIM, MPAS, PA-C","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/19867197016a13c09f82596300d8c680c62642c86a3f76a1b5c2359673b61b87?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/19867197016a13c09f82596300d8c680c62642c86a3f76a1b5c2359673b61b87?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Dipu Patel, DMSc, ABAIM, MPAS, PA-C"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dipupatel\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/author\/dipupatel"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/Webinar_B2C_Digital_Health_Tools_Empowering_PAs_for_Better_Patient_Outcomes_JTD.png","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10053,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/10-remarkable-medical-breakthroughs-from-the-last-decade","url_meta":{"origin":4486,"position":0},"title":"10 Remarkable Medical Breakthroughs from the Last Decade","author":"Lynda Malcolm, MD, JD","date":"April 24, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Healthcare is entering a transformative era driven by biotechnology, AI, and digital health. Discover the innovations reshaping diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, along with what they signal for the future of medicine.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"10 Remarkable Medical Breakthroughs from the Last Decade","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/10_Remarkable_Medical_Breakthroughs_from_the_Last_Decade.png","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/10_Remarkable_Medical_Breakthroughs_from_the_Last_Decade.png 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/10_Remarkable_Medical_Breakthroughs_from_the_Last_Decade.png 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/10_Remarkable_Medical_Breakthroughs_from_the_Last_Decade.png 2x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/10_Remarkable_Medical_Breakthroughs_from_the_Last_Decade.png 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4061,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-empower-nurses-to-lead-the-way-in-global-healthcare","url_meta":{"origin":4486,"position":1},"title":"How to Empower Nurses to Lead the Way in Global Healthcare","author":"Maria Pfrommer, DNP, Ph.D., FNP-BC, RN &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE","date":"June 28, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Learn about key strategies for nurses to become leaders in global healthcare by developing skills, advocating for change, and utilizing emerging technologies.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Career Advice&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Career Advice","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/career-advice"},"img":{"alt_text":"How to Empower Nurses to Lead the Way in Global Healthcare","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/nurses-to-global-healthcare.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/nurses-to-global-healthcare.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/nurses-to-global-healthcare.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/nurses-to-global-healthcare.webp 2x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/nurses-to-global-healthcare.webp 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3865,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-health-care-access-and-quality","url_meta":{"origin":4486,"position":2},"title":"Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Access and Quality","author":"Antoinette Leonard-Jean Charles, EdD","date":"June 11, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Explore how social determinants like healthcare access and quality affect patient outcomes and what you can do to promote equity as a clinician.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"Social Determinants of Health Health Care Access and Quality","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/health-care-access-and-quality.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/health-care-access-and-quality.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/health-care-access-and-quality.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/health-care-access-and-quality.webp 2x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/health-care-access-and-quality.webp 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3977,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/supporting-your-students-with-digital-medical-education-resources","url_meta":{"origin":4486,"position":3},"title":"How to Support Your Students with Digital Medical Education Resources","author":"Osmosis Team","date":"March 11, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Medical and health professions students need flexible, evidence-based learning tools. Explore how integrated platforms like Osmosis, Complete Anatomy, and ClinicalKey AI support learning from the classroom to clinical practice.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Archive&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Archive","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/archive"},"img":{"alt_text":"How to Support Your Students with Digital Medical Education Resources","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/digital-medical-education-resources-header.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/digital-medical-education-resources-header.jpg 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/digital-medical-education-resources-header.jpg 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/digital-medical-education-resources-header.jpg 2x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/digital-medical-education-resources-header.jpg 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10414,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies","url_meta":{"origin":4486,"position":4},"title":"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies","author":"Jennice Lavergne, MD","date":"June 23, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Black women in the US experience significantly higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and death than other groups. Explore the factors driving these disparities and the evidence-based strategies that can help improve maternal health equity.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png 2x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3888,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-will-ai-tools-like-chatgpt-change-healthcare","url_meta":{"origin":4486,"position":5},"title":"How Will AI Tools Like ChatGPT Change Healthcare?","author":"Sameer Ahmed Mughal &amp; Andres Acevedo-Melo","date":"July 24, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Artificial intelligence (AI) has become more reality than fiction in recent months, with big implications for the future of medicine and health care. Osmosis Medical Education Fellows (OMEF) Sameer Ahmed Mughal and Andres Acevedo-Melo\u00a0consider how AI and ChatGPT can be used to help physicians diagnose tough cases, track everyday patient\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/how-will-ai-tools-change-healthcare.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/how-will-ai-tools-change-healthcare.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/how-will-ai-tools-change-healthcare.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/how-will-ai-tools-change-healthcare.webp 2x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/how-will-ai-tools-change-healthcare.webp 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/189"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4486"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4486\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4487,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4486\/revisions\/4487"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4486"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4486"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}