Digital Technologies

Question 1

What is digital technology?

Answer 1

Combination of hardware, software, connectivit and the data produced, captured and analysed.
Used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in medical products
Used for general wellbeing and for primary prevention of conditions

Question 2

What is TeleHealth?

Answer 2

Allows remote pt monitoring
Synhronic/asynchronis interaction with patients and their data

Question 3

What are advantages of TeleHealth?

Answer 3

No need for face to face
Avoid delay in referral
Enhances triaging
Stratifies the risk of the patient
Efficient

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of TeleHealth?

Answer 4

No ability to physically examine patient
Technical difficulties
Security issues

Question 5

What is TelePharmacy?

Answer 5

Branch of TeleHealth for online consultations, E-prescriptions, online pharmacies and chat-based support

Question 6

What is mHealth?

Answer 6

Apps and technology used by mobile and other wireless devices in absence of HCP that uses sensor technology to monitor health
MediSafe- keep on track of meds, when need reordered etc and any info about them
Mysugr- check blood glucose. Can improve HbA1C and compliance
KardiaMobile- check heart activity (ECG). Cann reduce symtopms and hospitalisations

Question 7

What are wearables?

Answer 7

They intermittently or continuously monitor health. Its passive for pt as is done in background. It is said that smartwatches are similar tyo clinicall equipment

Question 8

What is the EHR?

Answer 8

Electronic Health Record- EPIC/ENCOMPASS
Replaces NIECR
Real time data
Allows linkage between HCP-record sharing, management and updating
Helps patient safety by flagging up potential interactions and adrS
E-prescriptions

Question 9

What are the barriers for patients for using digital health?

Answer 9

Expense of equipment
Adherance
Might worry about lack of HCP relationship
Concerns for data safety
Need knowledge on how to use and interpret data

Question 10

What are the barriers for practioners for using digital health?

Answer 10

Availability
Need Education and support
May increase work load
May have lack of digital literacy, if older practioner
Personal issues- resistance to chnage, dont like decrease in pt interaction, skeptical