Basics of Digital Health

Glossary of Terms

Things you may have heard or will hear aka what tools make up digital health?

Telemedicine:

Telemedicine specifically refers to the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients using telecommunications technology. This may involve virtual consultations with healthcare providers, remote interpretation of diagnostic tests, and electronic transmission of prescriptions. It is a medical encounter done remotely between two parties.

RPM (Remote Patient Monitoring):

RPM refers to the use of technology to monitor patients' health data remotely. This typically involves wearable devices or sensors that collect vital signs and other health metrics, which are then transmitted to clinicians for analysis and intervention. Think a diabetic sending their blood sugar data and their doctor sending them new medications or information on what to do so they don’t end up hospitalized. This enables proactive management of chronic conditions and early detection of health issues, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

DTx or digital therapeutics is sometimes used interchangeably in the US because of the way billing works. 

Telehealth:

Telehealth and telemedicine are often used interchangeably (and I have this discussion often(, but technically there is a difference. Telehealth encompasses a broader definition and includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and health education delivered through video calls, phone calls, or secure messaging platforms. It also includes all of the regulations, processes, compliance, finances etc that are needed to run a virtual care program.  Consider telehealth to be a broader term - it includes all of the supporting needs of healthcare delivery to run virtual care.

AI (Artificial Intelligence):

AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence by computer systems, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. In healthcare, AI is used to analyze large datasets, identify patterns and trends, and assist clinicians in diagnosing diseases, predicting patient outcomes, and personalizing treatment plans. AI has the ability to use large datasets and figure out patterns much more quickly. We can use this to improve efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes. 

AI-powered algorithms and data analytics tools analyze vast amounts of health data to derive actionable insights, improve clinical decision-making, and personalize patient care. We will see some big changes with AI. 

VR (Virtual Reality):

VR is a technology that immerses users in a simulated environment, typically through the use of headsets or goggles. You have probably seen something like this in movies. Believe it or not, we are using it in healthcare. VR has applications in medical training, pain management, therapy and patient education. VR simulations allow medical students to practice surgical procedures in a realistic virtual environment, while VR experiences can distract and alleviate pain for patients undergoing medical procedures or rehabilitation. Some hospitals use VR to give a tour of the hospital before surgery - allowing patients to be less nervous before they go.

Wearables:

Wearables are electronic devices that can be worn on the body, typically in the form of accessories or clothing. Watches are a really common one. These devices are equipped with sensors and wireless connectivity, so they can monitor various health metrics, such as heart rate, exercise/steps and sleep patterns. Wearables include smartwatches, fitness trackers, and medical-grade devices designed for continuous health monitoring (blood glucose monitors, for example). Wearables empower patients to track and manage their health proactively, leading to improved wellness and disease management.

e-Visits (Electronic Visits):

e-Visits are virtual consultations between patients and healthcare providers conducted via telecommunications technology, such as video calls or secure messaging platforms. Unlike traditional in-person visits, e-Visits enable patients to receive medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment remotely, without the need for physical travel to a healthcare facility. Within telehealth, e-visits can be surveys, chat or AI algorithms that are sent to a clinician for evaluation.

AR (Augmented Reality):

AR overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of their environment. In healthcare, AR can be used for medical education, surgical navigation, and remote assistance. Surgeons can use AR technology to visualize patient anatomy in real time during procedures - think of being able to see an MRI to guide brain surgery. Clinicians can also use it for specialist consults - we can receive real-time guidance and support from experts located elsewhere through AR-enabled devices.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs):

EHRs are digital versions of patients' paper charts. We used to only have paper charts which were difficult to share and collect (and store). EHRs are electronic records that contain comprehensive information about a patient's medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results. EHRs are designed to be accessed and shared securely by authorized healthcare providers across different healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and laboratories. Nowadays, patients can also access their records and the use of digital technologies makes it easier.