Prescribing Apps? The Future of Healthcare

Digital therapeutics (DTx) is a new therapeutic technique based on digital technology that is gaining increasing commercialization and clinical application. The demand for expansion to new clinical fields is remarkably high, and after successful commercialization in the field of cognitive-behavioral therapy, DTx are expanding their scope of application to various clinical indications and creating a new ecosystem by linking legacy healthcare and digital platforms.

DTx have many advantages, including access to global smart technology, cost-effectiveness, patient-specific treatment, and response to chronic, psychiatric, and neurological diseases that have not been adequately managed within the conventional medical system. As a result, the market value, expectations, and demand for DTx are expected to increase daily.

However, for DTx to progress from the introduction stage and become a successful future treatment technology, several barriers must be overcome. First, RWE-based verification should be solved through strengthening the link between research and development, clinical trials, and regulatory domains. Second, strategies should be established to overcome engagement barriers and prepare efficient regulatory processes.

Third, infrastructure and clinical adaptability of DTx should be considered for a stable settlement of DTx in clinical areas. Hence, a close cooperation process between researchers, manufacturers, and government should be established. Fourth, measures should be taken to secure technical and institutional solutions to prevent deepening health disparities and equity in the application owing to digital or medical disparities between countries.

DTx can be applied in various healthcare domains, including mental health, chronic disease management, and neurological disorders.

In mental health, DTx can offer access to evidence-based therapies for patients with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. These therapies can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and other interventions. DTx can provide patients with self-directed and interactive therapies that are personalized to their needs and preferences, and can be accessed from their own devices, thus making mental healthcare more accessible.

In the domain of chronic disease management, DTx can provide support to patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. DTx can monitor patients' symptoms and provide personalized care and support, helping patients to better manage their conditions and avoid complications.

In the area of neurological disorders, DTx can offer interventions to manage symptoms and improve outcomes for patients with conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injury. DTx can provide cognitive and physical therapy programs that are tailored to individual patients' needs and can be delivered remotely.

In conclusion, DTx can be applied in a wide range of healthcare domains, offering personalized and effective treatments for patients with mental health conditions, chronic diseases, and neurological disorders. DTx can help to improve patient outcomes, increase access to care, and reduce healthcare costs.

Finally, discussions and agreements centered on various international organizations, including those of medical devices, are required. DTx has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about healthcare and treatment, but it is essential to overcome the barriers to ensure the safe and effective application of this technology.