There is no denying that digital therapeutics (DTx) is fast-growing and helping to improve the lives of patients worldwide with excellent outcomes. The uniqueness of DTx lies in bringing out the amalgamation of artificial intelligence and innovative therapies to improve health and patient outcomes. Unlike other well-being mobile apps and trackers, DTx is more patient-oriented and promises realistic outcomes, focusing on behavioral changes with a scientific approach. In the past two years, due to the pandemic (COVID-19) there has been an accelerated growth in telemedicine and DTx. The outcomes were heartening to see. But even with all the possible benefits that DTx brings to the fore, large scale adoption is yet to come. The reasons could be many: lack of knowledge about DTx, reluctance by patients, unawareness of the outcomes, a doctor’s hesitancy to refer patients or even a patient’s inability to stay on track with the therapies offered.
However, the emerging numbers from around the globe suggest that integration of DTx and conventional medicine can change the face of the healthcare landscape for better patient outcomes and disease management. But this would need the masses to trust DTx and accept them as an extension of their treatment plan. Few things can be done to speed up the adaption of DTx.
Improve accessibility & availability: When we talk about DTx programs, one should remember that easy accessibility and availability are the core of making DTx adaptable for greater patient reach. Better networks and technologies that can simplify the use of gadgets (smartphones, tablets or any other tracking device) are critical for better user experience and adherence to DTx programs. Integrating the proposed and designed therapies with enhanced IT solutions is the need of the hour. Innovation is the key here.
Produce real-world outcomes: According to The Digital Therapeutics Alliance (DTA), DTX is defined as “delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions to patients that are driven by software to prevent, manage, or treat a medical disorder or disease. They are used independently or in concert with medications, devices, or other therapies to optimize patient care and health outcomes.” But unless people are aware of these outcomes, there will always be a barrier between DTx and the large pool of patients in need of personalised care with chronic diseases.
At Fitterfly, with advanced software tracking and AI-enabled features, we closely monitor our member’s well-being and track their progress. Our published results have shown a 1.22 points reduction of HbA1c in 3 months or 90 days for members enrolled for a diabetes reversal program- this is equivalent of 30% lowering of blood sugars (basic diabetes medicines like Metformin reduce HbA1C by 0.95 % in the same period). In the same time frame, 30% of patients could reduce their diabetes medications, thus reducing healthcare spending. Producing real-world outcomes and data will help the masses understand the benefits of DTx, and the medical fraternity to include DTx in their treatment plan.
Inclusion of DTx in government & insurance policies: One factor that stops many from taking up DTx programs is its cost. While it might be an additional financial burden for many, DTx can also help reduce the overall healthcare cost of an individual in a year. If we take the case of diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can worsen with time leading to complications (affecting major organs like heart, kidney, joints, muscle groups) and frequent hospitalisations. It is estimated that the cost to an individual living with diabetes for 20 years can go up to 30 lakhs. With personalised health plans, counselling and coaching, one can reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life. However, to make this transition easier or help people take up DTx, the government can develop policies or allocate funds to the healthcare sector for reimbursements or tax exemptions towards clinically-validated digital therapeutics solutions.
A campaign initiated by Fitterfly #FightPrediabetes in August 2021 showed some startling data – For people over 40, with BMI above 23 and a family history of type 2 diabetes, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases by 40 times. With over 90 million people with prediabetes, 70% of them will convert to type 2 diabetes in the next 5-10 years. Integrating DTx therapies with conventional medicine has already shown outstanding results (mentioned above). The government’s interventions and drafting better insurance policies keeping DTx in mind can help save millions of lives.
Improve partnerships with the healthcare sector and physicians: The economic survey of 2019-20 states that The doctor-population ratio in India is 1:1456 against the WHO recommendation of 1:1000. This gives us an insight into how overworked doctors are. Here, DTx can help bridge the gap between doctor-patient and give the required attention to patients at the clinics. This improves adherence to prescribed treatment plans, hand holding to make behavioral changes and adapt to make better lifestyle choices to avert complications due to chronic diseases. In addition, educating the doctors and other healthcare stakeholders will help them understand the importance of DTx and highlight better patient outcomes.
Inclusion in corporate well-being plans: The corporate sector can play a significant role in the speedy adaptation of DTx by including it in their wellness plans. If we take the case of diabetes, an estimation of the loss to an organisation on account of absenteeism, loss of productivity of peers, subordinates, and managers due to a condition like diabetes is around INR 180, 000 per year. One way to reduce this economic burden is to focus on prevention plans and better management of diabetes which can be achieved through DTx programs.
Stressing on the importance of DTx: There needs to be widespread education and awareness among the masses about DTx and its components. A 2002 study showed that a systematic behavioural intervention targeting diet and exercise, through face-to-face communication, substantially reduced people’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. At Fitterfly, all our diabetes care programs have a holistic approach considering nutrition, physical exercise, and one’s mental well-being. Behavioural changes form a significant part of our programs to help one adhere to a better lifestyle and reduce complications.
Inclusion of DTx education for medical students: Modern-day science intersects technology and conventional therapies. This is the next big thing. So introducing young doctors to the advent of technology and how it improves patient outcomes can help in the long run of DTx as a standard of the extended treatment plan. In addition, if they know the benefits early, they will be more open to suggesting DTx to their patients.
Reference:
Dang, A., Arora, D., & Rane, P. (2020). Role of digital therapeutics and the changing future of healthcare. Journal of family medicine and primary care, 9(5), 2207–2213.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_105_20
Disclaimer: The views expressed are the author’s own and APAC News Network is not responsible for any of them.
