1
|
Vasdev N, Gupta T, Pawar B, Bain A, Tekade RK. Navigating the future of health care with AI-driven digital therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104110. [PMID: 39034025 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Digital therapeutics (DTx) is a recently conceived idea in health care that aims to cure ailments and modify patient behavior by employing a range of digital technologies. Notably, when traditional medication is not entirely efficacious, DTx offers an innovative avenue for treatments linked to dysfunctional behaviors and lifestyle management. DTx involves extremely adaptable therapeutic devices that empower greater patient engagement in treating illness, using algorithms to collect, transfer and analyze the patient's data. Efficient clinical monitoring and supervision at the individual level by remote access and algorithms for a range of diseases is made possible by integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence with DTx. There is a potentially large worldwide market for DTx owing to its convenient, personalized therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nupur Vasdev
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Ahmedabad, An Institute of National Importance, Government of India, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Palaj, Opp. Air Force Station, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Tanisha Gupta
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Ahmedabad, An Institute of National Importance, Government of India, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Palaj, Opp. Air Force Station, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhakti Pawar
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Ahmedabad, An Institute of National Importance, Government of India, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Palaj, Opp. Air Force Station, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Anoothi Bain
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Ahmedabad, An Institute of National Importance, Government of India, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Palaj, Opp. Air Force Station, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Tekade
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Ahmedabad, An Institute of National Importance, Government of India, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Palaj, Opp. Air Force Station, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tong W, Zhang X, Zeng H, Pan J, Gong C, Zhang H. Reforming China's Secondary Vocational Medical Education: Adapting to the Challenges and Opportunities of the AI Era. JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 10:e48594. [PMID: 39149865 PMCID: PMC11337726 DOI: 10.2196/48594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Unlabelled China's secondary vocational medical education is essential for training primary health care personnel and enhancing public health responses. This education system currently faces challenges, primarily due to its emphasis on knowledge acquisition that overshadows the development and application of skills, especially in the context of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This article delves into the impact of AI on medical practices and uses this analysis to suggest reforms for the vocational medical education system in China. AI is found to significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities, therapeutic decision-making, and patient management. However, it also brings about concerns such as potential job losses and necessitates the adaptation of medical professionals to new technologies. Proposed reforms include a greater focus on critical thinking, hands-on experiences, skill development, medical ethics, and integrating humanities and AI into the curriculum. These reforms require ongoing evaluation and sustained research to effectively prepare medical students for future challenges in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Gannan Healthcare Vocational College, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation and Elderly Care, Gannan Healthcare Vocational College, Ganzhou, China
| | - Haiping Zeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Pan
- Scientific Research Division, Gannan Healthcare Vocational College, Ganzhou, China
| | - Chao Gong
- Student Work Division, Gannan Healthcare Vocational College, Ganzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation and Elderly Care, Gannan Healthcare Vocational College, Ganzhou, China
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Dongguan Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 22 Songshanhu Avenue, Guangdong Province, Dongguan, 523080, China, 86 0769 2638 5365
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rajendran A, Kella A, Narayanasamy D. The Revolution of Digital Therapeutics (DTx) in the Pharmaceutical Industry and Their Quality Impacts. Cureus 2024; 16:e66792. [PMID: 39268306 PMCID: PMC11392520 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of developments and trends are driving the expansion of the digital therapeutics (DTx) market in the pharmaceutical industry. Digital therapeutics are therapies intended to treat, diagnose, and prevent diseases by using patient-directed clinically assessed software applications, which can optimize the effectiveness and delivery of healthcare. These digital innovations became important as the world changed, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. Nowadays pharma companies are getting more comfortable with the idea of digital therapies. The majority of pharmaceutical companies are examining how to incorporate pharmaceuticals and digital therapies into their treatment regimens, leveraging digital tools to enhance patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery. A thorough overview of the most recent technological advancements in the creation of digital therapies shows particular technologies that are essential to the market's future growth. Moreover, the evaluation of digital therapeutics by clinical trial and real-world data is outlined. The critical quality attributes of DTx products and the challenges, including data management issues and regulatory obstacles, which make the creation, approval, and marketing of customized medicines more difficult, are covered in this review article. Overall, pharma companies are venturing into the world of digital therapeutics while acknowledging the limitations of the emerging field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuciya Rajendran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, SRM College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu, IND
| | - Alekhya Kella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, SRM College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu, IND
| | - Damodharan Narayanasamy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, SRM College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu, IND
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bulaj G, Coleman M, Johansen B, Kraft S, Lam W, Phillips K, Rohaj A. Redesigning Pharmacy to Improve Public Health Outcomes: Expanding Retail Spaces for Digital Therapeutics to Replace Consumer Products That Increase Mortality and Morbidity Risks. PHARMACY 2024; 12:107. [PMID: 39051391 PMCID: PMC11270305 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12040107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
United States healthcare outcomes, including avoidable mortality rates, are among the worst of high-income countries despite the highest healthcare spending per capita. While community pharmacies contribute to chronic disease management and preventive medicine, they also offer consumer products that increase mortality risks and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and depression. To resolve these contradictions, our perspective article describes opportunities for major pharmacy chains (e.g., CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens) to introduce digital health aisles dedicated to prescription and over-the-counter digital therapeutics (DTx), together with mobile apps and wearables that support disease self-management, wellness, and well-being. We provide an evidence-based rationale for digital health aisles to replace spaces devoted to sugar-sweetened beverages and other unhealthy commodities (alcohol, tobacco) that may increase risks for premature death. We discuss how digital health aisles can serve as marketing and patient education resources, informing customers about commercially available DTx and other technologies that support healthy lifestyles. Since pharmacy practice requires symbiotic balancing between profit margins and patient-centered, value-based care, replacing health-harming products with health-promoting technologies could positively impact prevention of chronic diseases, as well as the physical and mental health of patients and caregivers who visit neighborhood pharmacies in order to pick up medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Melissa Coleman
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Blake Johansen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Sarah Kraft
- Independent Researcher, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Wayne Lam
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Katie Phillips
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Aarushi Rohaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jiang Y, Liu H, Yang L, Wu C, Jiang F, Wang Y. Beneficial impact of visual stimulation-based digital therapeutics on blood pressure control in non-hypertensive individuals. Drug Discov Ther 2024; 18:98-105. [PMID: 38658356 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2024.01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Hypertension-related diseases occur in both hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals. However, few studies to date have explored blood pressure (BP) control in non-hypertensive individuals. This before-after study aimed to examine the impact of visual stimulation-based digital therapeutics (VS-DTx) on BP and heart rate (HR). Eighty-three eligible non-hypertensive participants were included in this study. The McNemar test and Paired Samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test were employed to assess decline rates and differences in BP and HR between the control phase and the intervention (using VS-DTx) phase. Pairwise correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the two phases. This study found the systolic BP (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the VS-DTx phase showed a downward trend (66.2% vs 49.3%; 68.7% vs 55.4%). The mean SBP decreased from 114.73 mm Hg to 111.18 mm Hg, and the mean MAP decreased from 87.96 mm Hg to 84.88 mm Hg in the VS-DTx phase. Paired Samples Wilcoxon Test showed differences in both ΔSBP (Z = -3.296; P < 0.01) and ΔMAP (Z = -2.386; P < 0.05) (Δ is defined as the difference between baseline and post-stimulus). The pairwise correlations analysis revealed that VS-DTx affected the MAP reduction (r = 0.33; P < 0.01) between the browsing digital devices phase and the VS-DTx phase. The results indicated that VS-DTx may have a certain effect on BP, including SBP and MAP. This study preliminarily explored the possible effects of VS-DTx on BP, providing certain useful insights for future research in digital BP management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingrui Yang
- Clinical Research & Innovation Unit, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Chongming Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaosheng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research & Innovation Unit, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Chongming Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carrera A, Lettieri E, Lietti G, Martignoni S, Sgarbossa C, Cafazzo J. Therapies go digital. What drives physicians' acceptance? PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303302. [PMID: 38728346 PMCID: PMC11086840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
National healthcare systems face multiple challenges, including the increasing demand for care and decreasing availability of healthcare professionals. Digital health technologies represent opportunities that offer improved efficiency, accessibility, and patient care. In this scenario, Digital Therapeutics are technological advancements to treat or alleviate a disease and deliver a medical intervention with evidence-based therapeutic impacts and regulatory approval. Digital Therapeutics are a paradigm shift for physicians, who exercise caution in terms of trust and wide usage. Digital Therapeutics represents an opportunity and a challenge in healthcare system integration. The research investigates the factors explaining physicians' acceptance of Digital Therapeutics. A research model that combines organizational mechanisms derived from Institutional Theory and rational factors derived from the Technology Acceptance model was developed. The model was tested through 107 responses from a survey distributed to the members of the leading Italian scientific society in Diabetology. Literature-based hypotheses were empirically tested through Structural Equation Modelling. The analysis confirmed the influence of Perceived Ease of Use on Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Usefulness on the Intention To Use Digital Therapeutics. Rules and norms impact Perceived Usefulness when considering the influence of the scientific society. Culture and mindset towards innovation within the hospital positively affect Perceived Ease of Use. The readiness of hospital facilities enhances the extent to which physicians perceive the ease of employing Digital Therapeutics in their daily practice. Instead, esteemed colleagues' opinions and guidelines from the scientific society reveal to physicians the value of Digital Therapeutics in patients' care pathways. Institutions should prioritize cultural, normative, and regulative aspects to accelerate physicians' endorsement of Digital Therapeutics. Findings advance the theoretical knowledge around clinicians' adoption of innovative digital health technologies, unveiling the interaction between rational and institutional factors. The results highlight practical implications for healthcare institutions and Digital Therapeutics manufacturers willing to promote their adoption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Carrera
- Department of Management Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuele Lettieri
- Department of Management Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Gaia Lietti
- Department of Management Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Martignoni
- Department of Management Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Sgarbossa
- Department of Management Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Joseph Cafazzo
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lumbreras AG, Hurwitz JT, Liang X, Schippers S, Phillip K, Bhattacharjee S, Waters HC, Malone DC. Insights into insurance coverage for digital therapeutics: A qualitative study of US payer perspectives. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2024; 30:313-325. [PMID: 38555623 PMCID: PMC10982577 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2024.30.4.313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade there has been an increase in the development and marketing of digital therapeutic (DTx) products aiming to prevent, manage, or treat a medical disorder or disease. Health insurance coverage for these products is not well established, and payers are facing increasing pressure to include these products as a covered benefit. OBJECTIVE To examine factors and characteristics that could drive health insurance coverage of DTx products from US payers' and coverage decision-makers' perspectives. METHODS This was a qualitative noninterventional, cross-sectional study conducted from August 2022 to October 2022. Virtual focus group meetings with pharmacy benefit managers/directors or medical directors representing a range of health insurance organizations were held following a semistructured interview guide. Convenience and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify participants. Transcripts were coded and analyzed with Atlas.ti software to identify common themes and subthemes. RESULTS Five focus group meetings and 1 individual interview were held from August to October 2022. Participants (n = 22) were mostly pharmacists (n = 18, 85%) with more than 15 years of experience (n = 18, 85%). Some participants indicated that DTx products for diabetes (n = 6, 29%), mental/behavioral health (n = 3, 14%), and substance abuse disorders (n = 3, 14%) were already covered by their organizations. The topics generating the most comments grouped by code were issues around the evidence for DTx (67 unique comments) and barriers for coverage (60 unique comments). Participants indicated they want to have evidence of effectiveness that is similar to traditional pharmaceutical products. Barriers for coverage included a need to revise benefit policies, exclusion of nonprescription products, and mechanisms for billing. DTx products with an indication for mental/behavioral health were viewed as most likely to be reimbursed. Coverage of DTx products may occur under either the pharmacy or medical benefit. CONCLUSIONS Health care payers stated that evidence of effectiveness was a necessary condition for health insurance coverage of DTx products. Given these are relatively new in health care, payers had more questions than answers regarding how these products will be integrated into health benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason T. Hurwitz
- Center for Health Outcomes and PharmacoEconomic Research, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson
| | - Xi Liang
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | | | - Katie Phillip
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Sandipan Bhattacharjee
- Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., Princeton, NJ (Waters), at the time the study was conducted
| | - Heidi C. Waters
- Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., Princeton, NJ (Waters), at the time the study was conducted
| | - Daniel C. Malone
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hong W. Advances and Opportunities of Mobile Health in the Postpandemic Era: Smartphonization of Wearable Devices and Wearable Deviceization of Smartphones. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e48803. [PMID: 38252596 PMCID: PMC10823426 DOI: 10.2196/48803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) with continuous real-time monitoring is leading the era of digital medical convergence. Wearable devices and smartphones optimized as personalized health management platforms enable disease prediction, prevention, diagnosis, and even treatment. Ubiquitous and accessible medical services offered through mHealth strengthen universal health coverage to facilitate service use without discrimination. This viewpoint investigates the latest trends in mHealth technology, which are comprehensive in terms of form factors and detection targets according to body attachment location and type. Insights and breakthroughs from the perspective of mHealth sensing through a new form factor and sensor-integrated display overcome the problems of existing mHealth by proposing a solution of smartphonization of wearable devices and the wearable deviceization of smartphones. This approach maximizes the infinite potential of stagnant mHealth technology and will present a new milestone leading to the popularization of mHealth. In the postpandemic era, innovative mHealth solutions through the smartphonization of wearable devices and the wearable deviceization of smartphones could become the standard for a new paradigm in the field of digital medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wonki Hong
- Department of Digital Healthcare, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Biskupiak Z, Ha VV, Rohaj A, Bulaj G. Digital Therapeutics for Improving Effectiveness of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Biological Products: Preclinical and Clinical Studies Supporting Development of Drug + Digital Combination Therapies for Chronic Diseases. J Clin Med 2024; 13:403. [PMID: 38256537 PMCID: PMC10816409 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Limitations of pharmaceutical drugs and biologics for chronic diseases (e.g., medication non-adherence, adverse effects, toxicity, or inadequate efficacy) can be mitigated by mobile medical apps, known as digital therapeutics (DTx). Authorization of adjunct DTx by the US Food and Drug Administration and draft guidelines on "prescription drug use-related software" illustrate opportunities to create drug + digital combination therapies, ultimately leading towards drug-device combination products (DTx has a status of medical devices). Digital interventions (mobile, web-based, virtual reality, and video game applications) demonstrate clinically meaningful benefits for people living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. In the respective animal disease models, preclinical studies on environmental enrichment and other non-pharmacological modalities (physical activity, social interactions, learning, and music) as surrogates for DTx "active ingredients" also show improved outcomes. In this narrative review, we discuss how drug + digital combination therapies can impact translational research, drug discovery and development, generic drug repurposing, and gene therapies. Market-driven incentives to create drug-device combination products are illustrated by Humira® (adalimumab) facing a "patent-cliff" competition with cheaper and more effective biosimilars seamlessly integrated with DTx. In conclusion, pharma and biotech companies, patients, and healthcare professionals will benefit from accelerating integration of digital interventions with pharmacotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zack Biskupiak
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Victor Vinh Ha
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Aarushi Rohaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Armeni P, Polat I, De Rossi LM, Diaferia L, Meregalli S, Gatti A. Exploring the potential of digital therapeutics: An assessment of progress and promise. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241277441. [PMID: 39291152 PMCID: PMC11406628 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241277441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Digital therapeutics (DTx), a burgeoning subset of digital health solutions, has garnered considerable attention in recent times. These cutting-edge therapeutic interventions employ diverse technologies, powered by software algorithms, to treat, manage, and prevent a wide array of diseases and disorders. Although DTx shows significant promise as an integral component of medical care, its widespread integration is still in the preliminary stages. This limited adoption can be largely attributed to the scarcity of comprehensive research that delves into DTx's scope, including its technological underpinnings, potential application areas, and challenges-namely, regulatory hurdles and modest physician uptake. This review aims to bridge this knowledge gap by offering an in-depth overview of DTx products' value to both patients and clinicians. It evaluates the current state of maturity of DTx applications driven by digital technologies and investigates the obstacles that developers and regulators encounter in the market introduction phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizio Armeni
- LIFT Lab, CERGAS GHNP Division, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Milano, Italy
| | - Irem Polat
- LIFT Lab, CERGAS GHNP Division, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Milano, Italy
| | - Leonardo Maria De Rossi
- LIFT Lab, CERGAS GHNP Division, and DEVO Lab, Claudio Demattè Research Division, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Milano, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Diaferia
- LIFT Lab, CERGAS GHNP Division, and DEVO Lab, Claudio Demattè Research Division, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Milano, Italy
| | - Severino Meregalli
- LIFT Lab, CERGAS GHNP Division, and DEVO Lab, Claudio Demattè Research Division, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Gatti
- LIFT Lab, CERGAS GHNP Division, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
McIntyre RS, Greenleaf W, Bulaj G, Taylor ST, Mitsi G, Saliu D, Czysz A, Silvesti G, Garcia M, Jain R. Digital health technologies and major depressive disorder. CNS Spectr 2023; 28:662-673. [PMID: 37042341 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852923002225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to improve the clinical management of major depressive disorder (MDD), which has become increasingly prevalent over the past two decades. Several gaps and challenges in the awareness, detection, treatment, and monitoring of MDD remain to be addressed. Digital health technologies have demonstrated utility in relation to various health conditions, including MDD. Factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the development of telemedicine, mobile medical apps, and virtual reality apps and have continued to introduce new possibilities across mental health care. Growing access to and acceptance of digital health technologies present opportunities to expand the scope of care and to close gaps in the management of MDD. Digital health technology is rapidly evolving the options for nonclinical support and clinical care for patients with MDD. Iterative efforts to validate and optimize such digital health technologies, including digital therapeutics and digital biomarkers, continue to improve access to and quality of personalized detection, treatment, and monitoring of MDD. The aim of this review is to highlight the existing gaps and challenges in depression management and discuss the current and future landscape of digital health technology as it applies to the challenges faced by patients with MDD and their healthcare providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger S McIntyre
- Department of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Walter Greenleaf
- Virtual Human Interaction Lab, Stanford University, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Steven T Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Andy Czysz
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Rakesh Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Singh B, Hazra P, Roy S, Garg R, Bhat S, Patki N, Gharat C, Patel K, Tandel J. Exploring the Need and Benefits of Digital Therapeutics (DTx) for the Management of Heart Failure in India. Cureus 2023; 15:e49628. [PMID: 38161874 PMCID: PMC10755686 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Indian heart failure (HF) registries consistently indicate high hospital readmissions and increased mortality rates after HF diagnosis. The challenges of Indian cardiologists in HF management include limited longitudinal data, frequent readmissions, low medication adherence, inadequate monitoring and follow-up, insufficient patient education, and lack of standard guidelines on cardiac rehabilitation. This article outlines the adoption of digital therapeutics (DTx) in HF management as a potential solution to address these challenges. DTx services offer improved medication adherence, early symptom identification, remote vital monitoring, timely intervention, patient education on symptoms, self-awareness, and lifestyle. Overall, DTx for HF comprises a dedicated team of cardiologists, health coaches, care managers, and globally certified connected devices to provide comprehensive and proactive monitoring, personalized coaching and support, behavioral engagement to improve adherence, emergency response system, delivery of medications and diagnostic tests at home, and a dedicated application for caregivers. DTx has the potential to enhance HF management in India.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balbir Singh
- Cardiology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, Delhi, IND
| | - Prakash Hazra
- Cardiology, Advanced Medicare and Research Institute (AMRI) Hospitals, Kolkata, IND
| | - Sanjeeb Roy
- Cardiology, ManglamPlus Medicity, Jaipur, IND
| | - Rajeev Garg
- Cardiology, Aware Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Hyderabad, IND
| | - Sanjay Bhat
- Cardiology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, IND
| | | | - Chetan Gharat
- Medical Affairs, Lupin Digital Health Limited, Mumbai, IND
| | - Kamlesh Patel
- Medical Affairs, Lupin Digital Health Limited, Mumbai, IND
| | - Jeeten Tandel
- Medical Affairs, Lupin Digital Health Limited, Mumbai, IND
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bos E, Preller KH, Kaur G, Malhotra P, Kharawala S, Motti D. Challenges With the Use of Digital Sham: Systematic Review and Recommendations. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44764. [PMID: 37874638 PMCID: PMC10630857 DOI: 10.2196/44764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital therapeutics (DTx) are software-based products that prevent, manage, or treat a medical condition and are delivered through a smartphone app, web application, or wearable device. Clinical trials assessing DTx pose challenges, foremost among which is designing appropriate digital shams (or digital placebos), which should ideally mimic DTx (in terms of design, components, and duration of treatment) while omitting the active principle or component. OBJECTIVE The objective of our review was to understand how digital shams are being used in clinical research on DTx in neuroscience, which is the most common therapy area for DTx. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review of DTx in neuroscience (including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders) with a focus on controlled clinical trials involving digital shams. Studies were identified from trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, the European Union Clinical Trials Register, and Trial Trove) and through structured searches in MEDLINE and Embase (both via the Embase website) and were limited to articles in English published from 2010 onward. These were supplemented by keyword-based searches in PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar and bibliographic searches. Studies assessing DTx in neuroscience (including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders) were included. Details related to the publication, DTx, comparator, patient population, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS Our search criteria identified 461 neuroscience studies involving 213 unique DTx. Most DTx were extended reality based (86/213, 40.4%) or mobile device based (56/213, 26.3%); 313 were comparative, of which 68 (21.7%) used shams. The most common therapeutic areas assessed in these studies were stroke (42/213, 19.7%), depression (32/213, 15%), and anxiety (24/213, 11.3%). The most common treatments were cognitive behavioral therapy or behavioral therapy (67/213, 32.4%), physical rehabilitation (60/213, 28.2%), and cognitive training (41/213, 19.2%). We identified the following important issues related to the use of digital shams in neuroscience: shams were not validated before use in studies, they varied widely in design (from being nearly identical to the DTx to using different software programs altogether), and the level of patient engagement or satisfaction with the sham and the impact of the sham on study outcomes were infrequently reported. CONCLUSIONS Digital shams are critical for the clinical development of DTx in neuroscience. Given the importance of sham controls in evaluating DTx efficacy, we provide recommendations on the key information that should be reported in a well-designed DTx trial and propose an algorithm to allow the correct interpretation of DTx study results. Sham-controlled studies should be routinely used in DTx trials-in early-phase studies-to help identify DTx active components and-in late-phase studies-to confirm the efficacy of DTx. The use of shams early in development will ensure that the appropriate sham control is used in later confirmatory trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Bos
- F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Gavneet Kaur
- Bridge Medical Consulting Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pooja Malhotra
- Bridge Medical Consulting Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ribba B, Peck R, Hutchinson L, Bousnina I, Motti D. Digital Therapeutics as a New Therapeutic Modality: A Review from the Perspective of Clinical Pharmacology. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023; 114:578-590. [PMID: 37392464 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The promise of transforming digital technologies into treatments is what drives the development of digital therapeutics (DTx), generally known as software applications embedded within accessible technologies-such as smartphones-to treat, manage, or prevent a pathological condition. Whereas DTx solutions that successfully demonstrate effectiveness and safety could drastically improve the life of patients in multiple therapeutic areas, there is a general consensus that generating therapeutic evidence for DTx presents challenges and open questions. We believe there are three main areas where the application of clinical pharmacology principles from the drug development field could benefit DTx development: the characterization of the mechanism of action, the optimization of the intervention, and, finally, its dosing. We reviewed DTx studies to explore how the field is approaching these topics and to better characterize the challenges associated with them. This leads us to emphasize the role that the application of clinical pharmacology principles could play in the development of DTx and to advocate for a development approach that merges such principles from development of traditional therapeutics with important considerations from the highly attractive and fast-paced world of digital solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ribba
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Richard Peck
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lucy Hutchinson
- Roche Information Solutions, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Imein Bousnina
- Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dario Motti
- Roche Information Solutions, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jang WH, Seo SM. Digital Therapeutics for the Egocentric and Allocentric Neglects in Patients with Brain Injury: A Mini Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1170. [PMID: 37626526 PMCID: PMC10452466 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13081170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Various therapeutic approaches have been developed for neglect. Many studies have demonstrated the effect of digital therapeutics (DTx) on neglect. However, few studies have reported the effects of DTx on egocentric and allocentric neglect. The differentiation of types of neglect and separate interventions is crucial in the rehabilitation process. In this article, seven studies on DTx on egocentric and allocentric neglect were reviewed. DTx, which was employed in these studies, could be classified as follows: (1) software adaptation in traditional treatment, (2) VR game using the head-mount display as treatment, and (3) the development of a new digital program like ReMoVES. In addition, more studies and more effective results were reported for egocentric neglect than for allocentric neglect. In future studies, each effect on egocentric and allocentric neglect should be identified in detail with the appropriate use of differential evaluation and long-term application of independent DTx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Hyuk Jang
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Kangwon National University, Samcheok 25949, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sang-Min Seo
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Semyung University, Jecheon 27136, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Phan P, Mitragotri S, Zhao Z. Digital therapeutics in the clinic. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10536. [PMID: 37476062 PMCID: PMC10354777 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital therapeutics are emerging as a new form of therapeutic interventions. Unlike conventional therapeutics, digital therapeutics deliver interventions directly to patients using an evidence-based, clinically evaluated software to treat, manage, or prevent diseases. Digital therapeutics manifest in diverse forms such as web-based applications, mobile applications on smart devices, virtual reality, and video games. As its own product category for FDA approval, digital therapeutics can function as stand-alone treatments or in combination with conventional therapeutics to improve adherence and/or efficacy. Here, we review the clinical landscape of digital therapeutics. We summarize FDA-approved products and their clinical use, overview >300 ongoing clinical trials, and discuss challenges for their clinical translation and strategies to overcome the same.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philana Phan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Zongmin Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Long H, Li S, Chen Y. Digital health in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic Dis Transl Med 2023; 9:90-103. [PMID: 37305103 PMCID: PMC10249197 DOI: 10.1002/cdt3.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be prevented and treated through effective care, reducing exacerbations and hospitalizations. Early identification of individuals at high risk of COPD exacerbation is an opportunity for preventive measures. However, many patients struggle to follow their treatment plans because of a lack of knowledge about the disease, limited access to resources, and insufficient clinical support. The growth of digital health-which encompasses advancements in health information technology, artificial intelligence, telehealth, the Internet of Things, mobile health, wearable technology, and digital therapeutics-offers opportunities for improving the early diagnosis and management of COPD. This study reviewed the field of digital health in terms of COPD. The findings showed that despite significant advances in digital health, there are still obstacles impeding its effectiveness. Finally, we highlighted some of the major challenges and possibilities for developing and integrating digital health in COPD management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanyu Long
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicinePeking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Shurun Li
- Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yahong Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicinePeking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rohaj A, Bulaj G. Digital Therapeutics (DTx) Expand Multimodal Treatment Options for Chronic Low Back Pain: The Nexus of Precision Medicine, Patient Education, and Public Health. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1469. [PMID: 37239755 PMCID: PMC10218553 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital therapeutics (DTx, software as a medical device) provide personalized treatments for chronic diseases and expand precision medicine beyond pharmacogenomics-based pharmacotherapies. In this perspective article, we describe how DTx for chronic low back pain (CLBP) can be integrated with pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, opioids), physical therapy (PT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and patient empowerment. An example of an FDA-authorized DTx for CLBP is RelieVRx, a prescription virtual reality (VR) app that reduces pain severity as an adjunct treatment for moderate to severe low back pain. RelieVRx is an immersive VR system that delivers at-home pain management modalities, including relaxation, self-awareness, pain distraction, guided breathing, and patient education. The mechanism of action of DTx is aligned with recommendations from the American College of Physicians to use non-pharmacological modalities as the first-line therapy for CLBP. Herein, we discuss how DTx can provide multimodal therapy options integrating conventional treatments with exposome-responsive, just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAI). Given the flexibility of software-based therapies to accommodate diverse digital content, we also suggest that music-induced analgesia can increase the clinical effectiveness of digital interventions for chronic pain. DTx offers opportunities to simultaneously address the chronic pain crisis and opioid epidemic while supporting patients and healthcare providers to improve therapy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aarushi Rohaj
- The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hwangbo NK, Woo KC, Kim ST. Evaluation of Clinical Symptoms Improvement by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Using a Smartphone Application in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101443. [PMID: 37239729 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the start of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic, interest in digital therapeutics (DTx) has increased. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) fundamentally requires cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including physical self-regulation. An application that records TMD pain and parafunctional activities for CBT has recently been developed. However, evidence of the reduction of clinical symptoms in patients via repetitive software-driven CBT is lacking. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of applications that support CBT regarding the performance of CBT and the improvement of clinical symptoms in temporomandibular joint patients. From 20 October 2020 to 7 January 2021, we randomly assigned 41 participants diagnosed with TMD to control (conventional treatment) and experimental (conventional treatment + application use) groups. We randomly assigned 41 participants diagnosed with TMD to control (conventional treatment) and experimental (conventional treatment + application use) groups. Improvements regarding the number of tender points, mouth opening, visual analog scale score, pain level upon palpation, joint sound, and stress were compared between the two groups. Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvements in the number of tender points and degree of mouth opening. They also showed improvements in pain level, joint sound, and locking, although not statistically significantly, as compared with the control group. Thus, further studies with a greater sample size need to be conducted to confirm the findings. Nevertheless, our results showed that repetitive cognitive behavioral therapy using a smartphone application can be used as digital therapeutics for temporomandibular disorder patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na-Kyung Hwangbo
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon-Cheol Woo
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Taek Kim
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kim EJ, Kim JY. The Metaverse for Healthcare: Trends, Applications, and Future Directions of Digital Therapeutics for Urology. Int Neurourol J 2023; 27:S3-12. [PMID: 37280754 DOI: 10.5213/inj.2346108.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the emergence of digital therapeutics as a novel approach to managing conditions has garnered significant attention. This approach involves using evidence-based therapeutic interventions that are facilitated by high-quality software programs to treat, manage, or prevent medical conditions. The incorporation of digital therapeutics into the Metaverse has increased the feasibility of their implementation and application in all areas of medical services. In urology, substantial digital therapeutics are being produced and researched, including mobile apps, bladder devices, pelvic floor muscle trainers, smart toilet systems, mixed reality-guided training and surgery, and training and telemedicine for urological consultations. The purpose of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current impact of the Metaverse on the field of digital therapeutics and identify its current trends, applications, and future perspectives in the field of urology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Joung Kim
- Culture Contents Technology Institute, Gachon University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jung Yoon Kim
- Department of Game Media, College of Future Industry, Gachon University, Seongnam, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhou R, Gu Y, Zhang B, Kong T, Zhang W, Li J, Shi J. Digital Therapeutics: Emerging New Therapy for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2023; 14:e00575. [PMID: 36854062 PMCID: PMC10132718 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) worldwide is particularly worrisome, as no medication has been approved to treat the disease. Lifestyle modifications aimed at promoting weight loss and weight maintenance remain the current first-line treatment for NAFLD. However, due to the lack of standard and scientific guidance and out-of-hospital supervision, long-term outcomes of lifestyle interventions for patients with NAFLD are often unsatisfactory. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated this dilemma. At the same time, digital therapeutics (DTx) are expected to be a new method for the convenient management and treatment of patients with NAFLD and are attracting a great deal of attention. DTx, which provide evidence-based medicine through software programs for remote intervention in preventing, treating, or managing diseases, overcome the drawbacks of traditional treatment. The efficacy of the approach has already been demonstrated for some chronic diseases, but DTx have not been fully developed for NAFLD. This study reviews the concepts, clinical value, and practical applications related to DTx, with an emphasis on recommendations based on unmet needs for NAFLD. A better understanding of the current state will help clinicians and researchers develop high-quality, standardized, and efficient DTx products, with the aim of optimizing the prognosis of patients with NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Run Zhou
- College of Nursing, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China;
| | - Yunpeng Gu
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China;
| | - Binbin Zhang
- Department of Translational Medicine Platform, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China;
- Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang, China;
| | - Tingting Kong
- College of Nursing, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China;
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China;
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China;
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, China;
| | - Junping Shi
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China;
- The Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital & Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Disease, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Colloud S, Metcalfe T, Askin S, Belachew S, Ammann J, Bos E, Kilchenmann T, Strijbos P, Eggenspieler D, Servais L, Garay C, Konstantakopoulos A, Ritzhaupt A, Vetter T, Vincenzi C, Cerreta F. Evolving regulatory perspectives on digital health technologies for medicinal product development. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:56. [PMID: 36991116 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital health technology tools (DHTTs) present real opportunities for accelerating innovation, improving patient care, reducing clinical trial duration and minimising risk in medicines development. This review is comprised of four case studies of DHTTs used throughout the lifecycle of medicinal products, starting from their development. These cases illustrate how the regulatory requirements of DHTTs used in medicines development are based on two European regulatory frameworks (medical device and the medicinal product regulations) and highlight the need for increased collaboration between various stakeholders, including regulators (medicines regulators and device bodies), pharmaceutical sponsors, manufacturers of devices and software, and academia. As illustrated in the examples, the complexity of the interactions is further increased by unique challenges related to DHTTs. These case studies are the main examples of DHTTs with a regulatory assessment thus far, providing an insight into the applicable current regulatory approach; they were selected by a group of authors, including regulatory specialists from pharmaceutical sponsors, technology experts, academic researchers and employees of the European Medicines Agency. For each case study, the challenges faced by sponsors and proposed potential solutions are discussed, and the benefit of a structured interaction among the different stakeholders is also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ernst Bos
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Laurent Servais
- Muscular Dystrophy UK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Division of Child Neurology, Centre de Références des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Izmailova ES, Maguire RP, McCarthy TJ, Müller MLTM, Murphy P, Stephenson D. Empowering drug development: Leveraging insights from imaging technologies to enable the advancement of digital health technologies. Clin Transl Sci 2023; 16:383-397. [PMID: 36382716 PMCID: PMC10014695 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has publicly recognized the importance of improving drug development efficiency, deeming translational biomarkers a top priority. The use of imaging biomarkers has been associated with increased rates of drug approvals. An appropriate level of validation provides a pragmatic way to choose and implement these biomarkers. Standardizing imaging modality selection, data acquisition protocols, and image analysis (in ways that are agnostic to equipment and algorithms) have been key to imaging biomarker deployment. The best known examples come from studies done via precompetitive collaboration efforts, which enable input from multiple stakeholders and data sharing. Digital health technologies (DHTs) provide an opportunity to measure meaningful aspects of patient health, including patient function, for extended periods of time outside of the hospital walls, with objective, sensor-based measures. We identified the areas where learnings from the imaging biomarker field can accelerate the adoption and widespread use of DHTs to develop novel treatments. As with imaging, technical validation parameters and performance acceptance thresholds need to be established. Approaches amenable to multiple hardware options and data processing algorithms can be enabled by sharing DHT data and by cross-validating algorithms. Data standardization and creation of shared databases will be vital. Pre-competitive consortia (public-private partnerships and professional societies that bring together all stakeholders, including patient organizations, industry, academic experts, and regulators) will advance the regulatory maturity of DHTs in clinical trials.
Collapse
|
24
|
Manchanda N, Aggarwal A, Setya S, Talegaonkar S. Digital Intervention For The Management Of Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2023; 19:CAR-EPUB-129308. [PMID: 36744687 DOI: 10.2174/1567205020666230206124155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, multifactorial, chronic, neurodegenerative disease with high prevalence and limited therapeutic options, making it a global health crisis. Being the most common cause of dementia, AD erodes the cognitive, functional, and social abilities of the individual and causes escalating medical and psychosocial needs. As yet, this disorder has no cure and current treatment options are palliative in nature. There is an urgent need for novel therapy to address this pressing challenge. Digital therapeutics (Dtx) is one such novel therapy that is gaining popularity globally. Dtx provides evidence based therapeutic interventions driven by internet and software, employing tools such as mobile devices, computers, videogames, apps, sensors, virtual reality aiding in the prevention, management, and treatment of ailments like neurological abnormalities and chronic diseases. Dtx acts as a supportive tool for the optimization of patient care, individualized treatment and improved health outcomes. Dtx uses visual, sound and other non-invasive approaches for instance-consistent therapy, reminiscence therapy, computerised cognitive training, semantic and phonological assistance devices, wearables and computer-assisted rehabilitation environment to find applications in Alzheimer's disease for improving memory, cognition, functional abilities and managing motor symptom. A few of the Dtx-based tools employed in AD include "Memory Matters", "AlzSense", "Alzheimer Assistant", "smart robotic dog", "Immersive virtual reality (iVR)" and the most current gamma stimulation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current trends in digital health in AD and explore the benefits, challenges, and impediments of using Dtx as an adjunctive therapy for the management of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namish Manchanda
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, New Delhi-110017, India
| | - Akanksha Aggarwal
- Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences And Research, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, New Delhi-110017, India
| | - Sonal Setya
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana-122505, India
| | - Sushama Talegaonkar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, New Delhi-110017, India
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Oh E, Gang M. [Effect of Digital Health Interventions on Psychotic Symptoms among Persons with Severe Mental Illness in Community: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis]. J Korean Acad Nurs 2023; 53:69-86. [PMID: 36898686 DOI: 10.4040/jkan.22121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the effects of digital health interventions on the psychotic symptoms among people with severe mental illness in the community. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Intervention Research Systematic Review Manual and PRISMA. A literature search was conducted of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for digital health interventions from January 2022 to April 2022. RevMan software 5.3 was used for quality assessment and meta-analysis. RESULTS A total 14 studies out of 9,864 studies were included in the review, and 13 were included in meta-analysis. The overall effect size of digital health interventions on psychotic symptoms was -0.21 (95% CI = -0.32 to -0.10). Sub-analysis showed that the reduction of the psychotic symptoms was effective in the schizophrenia spectrum group (SMD = -.0.22; 95% CI = -.0.36 to -0.09), web (SMD = -0.41; 95% CI = -0.82 to 0.01), virtual reality (SMD = -0.33; 95% CI = -0.56 to -0.10), mobile (SMD = -0.15; 95% CI = -0.28 to -0.03), intervention period of less than 3 months (SMD = -0.23; 95% CI = -0.35 to -0.11), and non-treatment group (SMD = -0.23; 95% CI = -0.36 to -0.11). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that digital health interventions alleviate psychotic symptoms in patients with severe mental illnesses. However, well-designed digital health studies should be conducted in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunjin Oh
- Department of Nursing, Songwon University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Moonhee Gang
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chen X, Luo Y. Digital Therapeutics in Migraine Management: A Novel Treatment Option in the COVID-19 Era. J Pain Res 2023; 16:111-117. [PMID: 36660558 PMCID: PMC9842514 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s387548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a chronic and often lifelong disease that directly affects over one billion people globally. Because access to migraine medical services is limited, only a minority of migraine patients are treated adequately. This situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital therapeutics (DTx) is an emerging therapeutic approach that opens up many new possibilities for remote migraine management. For instance, migraine management tools, online migraine diagnosis, guideline-based treatment options, digitally networked patients, and collecting anonymized information about migraine attacks and course parameters for scientific evaluation. Various applications of DTx in migraine management have been studied in recent years, such as the usefulness of digital migraine self-management tools in diagnosing and tracking migraine attacks, and the efficacy and safety of digital cognitive behavioural therapy. However, the development of DTx is still in its infancy and still faces many obstacles. The primary goal of this study is to review the latest research on DTx in migraine management, identify challenges, and outline future trends.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingchen Chen
- Tianjin Baodi Hospital, Baodi Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 301800, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujia Luo
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, People’s Republic of China,Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, the University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia,Correspondence: Yujia Luo, Email
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Huntsman JL, Bulaj G. Health education via "empowerment" digital marketing of consumer products and services: Promoting therapeutic benefits of self-care for depression and chronic pain. Front Public Health 2023; 10:949518. [PMID: 36703812 PMCID: PMC9871258 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.949518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing health care costs and high economic burden exemplify the impact of chronic diseases on public health. Multifaceted approaches to treating chronic diseases include pharmaceutical drugs, digital therapeutics, and lifestyle medicine. Chronic diseases are largely preventable, and health promotion yields positive outcomes. However, despite positive return on investment (ROI) and cost-to-benefit ratio (CBR) for health promotion (median ROI 2.2, median CBR 14.4), commercial marketing of healthy lifestyles and self-care is limited. The objective of this perspective article is to discuss how digital marketing of consumer goods and services that support therapeutic self-care can also bridge public health and for-profit interests. We describe how "empowerment" marketing campaigns can provide evidence-based associations between products/services and self-care benefits for people living with chronic pain and depression. Such a "health education as marketing" strategy is illustrated by educational ads describing how contact with nature, music, and yoga can improve chronic pain and reduce depressive symptoms. Creating associations between health-related benefits of these activities with products (outdoor and yoga apparel, audio equipment) and services (music streaming services, music mobile apps, eco-tourism, yoga studios) that support them expand their value proposition, thus incentivizing profit-driven companies to engage in public health campaigns. Long-term success of companies that incorporate evidence-based health education as marketing and branding strategies will depend on following ethical considerations and advertising guidelines defined by consumer protection regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In conclusion, integration of health education about self-care and commercial marketing can support health care outcomes and disease prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- OMNI Self-care, LLC, Salt Lake City, UT, United States,L. S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States,*Correspondence: Grzegorz Bulaj ✉
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chisholm O, Critchley H. Future directions in regulatory affairs. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1082384. [PMID: 36698838 PMCID: PMC9868628 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1082384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of regulatory affairs deals with the regulatory requirements for marketing authorization of therapeutic products. This field is facing a myriad of forces impacting all aspects of the development, regulation and value proposition of new therapeutic products. Changes in global megatrends, such as geopolitical shifts and the rise of the green economy, have emphasized the importance of manufacturing and supply chain security, and reducing the environmental impacts of product development. Rapid changes due to advances in science, digital disruption, a renewed focus on the centrality of the patient in all stages of therapeutic product development and greater collaboration between national regulatory authorities have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article will discuss the various trends that are impacting the development of new therapies for alleviating disease and how these trends therefore impact on the role of the regulatory affairs professional. We discuss some of the challenges and provide insights for the regulatory professional to remain at the forefront of these trends and prepare for their impacts on their work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orin Chisholm
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Digital Therapeutic Device for Urinary Incontinence: A Longitudinal Analysis at 6 and 12 Months. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 141:199-206. [PMID: 36701620 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term efficacy of an 8-week regimen of pelvic floor muscle training guided by a motion-based digital therapeutic device compared with a standard home program in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). METHODS The primary virtual trial was conducted from October 2020 to March 2021; 363 women with SUI or stress-predominant MUI were randomized to complete pelvic floor muscle training using the device (intervention group) or a standard home pelvic floor muscle training program (control group) for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included change in UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory, Short Form) score and SUI episodes on a 3-day bladder diary. The PGI-I (Patient Global Impression of Improvement) was also assessed, with "much better" and "very much better" responses considered as improvement. In this planned secondary analysis, symptom and adherence data were collected in follow-up at 6 and 12 months. A modified intention-to-treat analysis was performed using Student's t tests and χ2 tests as appropriate. RESULTS Of 299 participants analyzed at 8 weeks, 286 (95.7%) returned 6- and 12-month data (151 in the control group, 135 in the intervention group). Mean age was 51.9±12.8 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 31.8±7.4; 84.6% of participants were parous, and 54.9% were postmenopausal. Mean change in UDI-6 score from baseline to 6 and 12 months was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group (20.2±20.9 vs 14.8±19.5, P=.03 and 22.7±23.3 vs 15.9±20.3, P=.01, respectively). Participants in the intervention group had more than twice the odds of reporting improvement on the PGI-I compared with participants in the control group (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.49-4.00). CONCLUSION Pelvic floor muscle training guided by a motion-based digital therapeutic device yielded significantly greater urinary incontinence symptom improvement compared with a standard home pelvic floor muscle training program at 6 and 12 months, although continued improvement waned over time. This technology may facilitate pelvic floor muscle training access and adherence for women with SUI and stress-predominant MUI and represents an effective modality for scaling first-line care. FUNDING SOURCE Renovia Inc. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04508153.
Collapse
|
30
|
Liu J, Barrett JS, Leonardi ET, Lee L, Roychoudhury S, Chen Y, Trifillis P. Natural History and Real-World Data in Rare Diseases: Applications, Limitations, and Future Perspectives. J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 62 Suppl 2:S38-S55. [PMID: 36461748 PMCID: PMC10107901 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Rare diseases represent a highly heterogeneous group of disorders with high phenotypic and genotypic diversity within individual conditions. Due to the small numbers of people affected, there are unique challenges in understanding rare diseases and drug development for these conditions, including patient identification and recruitment, trial design, and costs. Natural history data and real-world data (RWD) play significant roles in defining and characterizing disease progression, final patient populations, novel biomarkers, genetic relationships, and treatment effects. This review provides an introduction to rare diseases, natural history data, RWD, and real-world evidence, the respective sources and applications of these data in several rare diseases. Considerations for data quality and limitations when using natural history and RWD are also elaborated. Opportunities are highlighted for cross-sector collaboration, standardized and high-quality data collection using new technologies, and more comprehensive evidence generation using quantitative approaches such as disease progression modeling, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Advanced statistical approaches to integrate natural history data and RWD to further disease understanding and guide more efficient clinical study design and data analysis in drug development in rare diseases are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Pfizer, Inc., Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Barrett
- Critical Path Institute, Rare Disease Cures Accelerator Data Analytics Platform, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Lucy Lee
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Yong Chen
- Pfizer, Inc., Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Velayati F, Ayatollahi H, Hemmat M, Dehghan R. The 4P telehealth business framework for Iran. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:266. [PMID: 36210440 PMCID: PMC9548305 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-02011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Telehealth services can utilize various information technologies and improve quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery by facilitating education, treatment, follow-up, and decision-making. However, these services are not always commercialized, and in case of commercialization, there is no guarantee for their long-term sustainability in market. Therefore, business models and frameworks are used as part of commercialization processes to identify a set of factors affecting the sustainability, effectiveness, and key business activities. The current study aimed to develop a telehealth business framework for Iran. Methods This research was conducted in 2021, and a mixed-methods approach was used for data collection. Initially, a telehealth business framework was developed based on the findings derived from a systematic review and a qualitative research. The proposed framework was then reviewed by an expert panel (n = 9) in which the participants had at least three years of work experience in telehealth. Finally, the framework was validated using the Delphi method (three rounds). Results The expert panel believed that some components such as partners’ expertise, required capital and financial resources, research and analysis, marketing and branding, tax, product registration, and marketing at scientific congresses and science and technology exhibitions needed to be added to the framework. In the Delphi study, 68 out of 74 components proposed in the initial framework were approved across four major dimensions; namely, prerequisites, production, payments and costs, and post-production services. Conclusions It seems that the developed framework can facilitate commercializing telehealth technologies and developing business plans. In addition, telehealth start-ups can use this framework and its various components in a competitive market to be more successful in their businesses. However, it is still critical to evaluate the effectiveness of the framework in practice and in relation to the commercialization of telehealth technologies.
Collapse
|
32
|
Nobel N. Interplay between benefit appeal and valence framing in reducing smoking behavior: Evidence from a field experience. JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DECISION MAKING 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/bdm.2301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Nobel
- Department of Marketing and Strategy Stockholm School of Economics Stockholm Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
The platform development, adherence and efficacy to a digital Brief therapy for insomnia (dBTI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods 2022; 205:39-45. [PMID: 35526723 PMCID: PMC9070004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Brief therapy for insomnia (BTI) is a short-term cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. At present, there is no study combining BTI with digital technology. However, in the context of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), patients with acute insomnia may need an online treatment which can quickly improve insomnia symptoms. Our team built a digital BTI (dBTI) platform based on the WeChat mini program. This research provides a framework design and a course design of dBTI, and evaluates the system via recruiting participants suffering from acute insomnia in pandemic. What's more, it explores patients' adherence, the efficiency of the system and their relationship. As the result demonstrates, 68% of participants have completed more than half of the course with medium to high adherence. Gender, pre-sleep arousal scale (PSAS) somatic score and insomnia severity index (ISI) score have affected participants' adherence, and higher adherence has led to better improvement in the severity of insomnia and somatic pre-sleep arousal. It is proved that the platform we built is effective, which not only offers an entry point for the study of how to set up a dBTI platform, but also provides theoretical basis for its clinical application.
Collapse
|
34
|
Davaris MT, Bunzli S, Trieu J, Dowsey MM, Choong PF. The role of digital health interventions to improve health literacy in surgical patients: a narrative review in arthroplasty. ANZ J Surg 2022; 92:2474-2486. [PMID: 35924880 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arthroplasty is a high-volume but costly treatment option for advanced osteoarthritis. Health literacy and patient education are modifiable factors that can improve patient outcomes in arthroplasty. Digital technologies show potential as an instrument for providing patients with reliable information. This narrative review aimed to identify the current evidence for how effective digital health interventions (DHIs) are in targeting health literacy and related constructs (including knowledge, decision-making and self-efficacy) in arthroplasty. METHODS Six databases were searched for published studies comprising health literacy and related constructs, arthroplasty, and DHIs. The main outcome measure was health literacy. Two reviewer-authors independently screened studies according to predefined inclusion criteria and performed data extraction. Data was analysed and summarized in tabular and narrative form. RESULTS Two thousand seven-hundred and sixty-four titles and abstracts were screened. One hundred and sixty-seven papers underwent full-text analysis. No studies used health literacy as an outcome measure; therefore, the outcome measure was broadened to include its constructs, and the full-text analysis was repeated. Thirteen studies were included. No study following a structured design for their DHI. Eleven studies demonstrated participant improvement in constructs of health literacy, including knowledge, decision-making and self-management. CONCLUSION Current evidence suggests digital technology may provide new means of educating patients and improving aspects of their health literacy. More research digital technology with a structured approach, framework and standardized measures is required. Well-designed digital technology may become a useful adjunct to future patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myles T Davaris
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha Bunzli
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason Trieu
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle M Dowsey
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter F Choong
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kim S, Eom J, Shim J. A Comparative Study on Intention to Use Digital Therapeutics: MZ Generation and Baby Boomers’ Digital Therapeutics Use Intention in Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159556. [PMID: 35954906 PMCID: PMC9368623 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study lies in articulating the relationship between digital literacy and private concern as a predictor of intention to use digital therapeutics. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted through a research company among 600 panels. The survey questionnaire consists of items of digital literacy, privacy concern, perceptions, and intention to use digital therapeutics, and the participants were asked to fill out the questions online. A structural equation model was established, and the difference in paths between the MZ generation and the baby boomers were examined. Results: Public perception of digital therapeutics was categorized into seven factors and the dimension of digital literacy as categorized into three factors. For the MZ generation, digital literacy and privacy concern both directly and indirectly affect the digital therapeutics use intention, in that higher the level of digital literacy and the lower the privacy concern, digital therapeutics perception and digital therapeutics use intention becomes intensified. For the baby boomers, digital literacy and privacy concern positively affect digital therapeutics perception, and as digital therapeutics perception becomes more positive, digital therapeutics use intention also increases. Direct effects of digital literacy and privacy concern to digital therapeutics use intention were not found for the baby boomers. Conclusion: In order to promote the use of digital therapeutics, it is common for the MZ generation and baby boomers to develop a positive perception toward digital therapeutics by cultivating digital literacy. For the MZ generation, privacy concerns need to be cautiously considered as they negatively affect the intention to use digital therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soojin Kim
- Division of Communication & Media, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea;
| | - Juhee Eom
- Department of Law, Konkuk University, Chungju 05029, Korea;
| | - Jiwon Shim
- Department of Philosophy, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2290-1719
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Huh KY, Oh J, Lee S, Yu KS. Clinical Evaluation of Digital Therapeutics: Present and Future. Healthc Inform Res 2022; 28:188-197. [PMID: 35982593 PMCID: PMC9388922 DOI: 10.4258/hir.2022.28.3.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Digital therapeutics (DTx) are software-based therapeutic interventions based on clinical evidence. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are often the source of clinical evidence, similar to conventional drugs or medical devices. However, novel approaches such as the use of real-world data or digital biomarkers are also utilized. This article aimed to review how DTx products have been clinically evaluated. Methods DTx products approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as of 2020 were reviewed and products with sufficient published information were selected. Pivotal clinical trials were analyzed according to the elements of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guideline. Case reviews were presented for other clinical evaluation strategies, considering the small number of publications. Results Most approved DTx products used RCTs for clinical evaluations. Similar to conventional RCTs, parallel-group designs with statistical hypothesis testing were adopted. However, DTx trials were often not blinded due to practical issues and involved various comparator groups. In addition, DTx products could be readily evaluated in home-based settings and delivered through the internet. Other evaluation approaches included retrospective analyses using insurance claims data or usage data, which enabled long-term evaluations of effectiveness. Digital biomarkers obtained from real-time and continuous log data were also used to improve the objectiveness of endpoints. Conclusions RCTs accounted for the majority of DTx evaluations. The designs of DTx trials were comparable to those of drug or device trials, but blinding and comparator elements were often different. Furthermore, the use of real-world data and digital biomarkers are also being tried.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki Young Huh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaeseong Oh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - SeungHwan Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Sang Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dugas M, Wang W, Crowley K, Iyer AK, Peeples M, Shomali M, Gao G(G. Engagement and Outcomes Associated with Contextual Annotation Features of a Digital Health Solution. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2022; 16:804-811. [PMID: 33355003 PMCID: PMC9264428 DOI: 10.1177/1932296820976409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health solutions targeting diabetes self-care are popular and promising, but important questions remain about how these tools can most effectively help patients. Consistent with evidence of the salutary effects of note-taking in education, features that enable annotation of structured data entry might enhance the meaningfulness of the interaction, thereby promoting persistent use and benefits of a digital health solution. METHOD To examine the potential benefits of note-taking, we explored how patients with type 2 diabetes used annotation features of a digital health solution and assessed the relationship between annotation and persistence in engagement as well as improvements in glycated hemoglobin (A1C). Secondary data from 3142 users of the BlueStar digital health solution collected between December 2013 and June 2017 were analyzed, with a subgroup of 372 reporting A1C lab values. RESULTS About a third of patients recorded annotations while using the platform. Annotation themes largely reflected self-management behaviors (diet, physical activity, medication adherence) and well-being (mood, health status). Early use of contextual annotations was associated with greater engagement over time and with greater improvements in A1C. CONCLUSIONS Our research provides preliminary evidence of the benefits of annotation features in a digital health solution. Future research is needed to assess the causal impact of note-taking and the moderating role of thematic content reflected in notes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Dugas
- Center for Health Information and
Decision Systems, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland,
College Park, MD, USA
- Michelle Dugas, PhD, Center for Health
Information and Decision Systems, University of Maryland, 4328 Van Munching
Hall, Robert H. Smith School of Business, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Weiguang Wang
- Center for Health Information and
Decision Systems, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland,
College Park, MD, USA
| | - Kenyon Crowley
- Center for Health Information and
Decision Systems, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland,
College Park, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Guodong (Gordon) Gao
- Center for Health Information and
Decision Systems, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland,
College Park, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Giravi HY, Biskupiak Z, Tyler LS, Bulaj G. Adjunct Digital Interventions Improve Opioid-Based Pain Management: Impact of Virtual Reality and Mobile Applications on Patient-Centered Pharmacy Care. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:884047. [PMID: 35770137 PMCID: PMC9234128 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.884047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital therapeutics (DTx, mobile medical apps, software as a medical device) are rapidly emerging as clinically effective treatments for diverse chronic diseases. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently authorized a prescription virtual reality (VR) app for treatment of moderate to severe low back pain. The FDA has also approved an adjunct digital therapy in conjunction with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, further illustrating opportunities to integrate digital therapeutics with pharmacotherapies. There are ongoing needs to disseminate knowledge about advances in digital interventions among health care professionals, policymakers, and the public at large. This mini-review summarizes accumulating clinical evidence of digital interventions delivered via virtual reality and mobile apps to improve opioid-based analgesia. We identified relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using Embase and PubMed databases which reported pain scores with a validated pain scale (e.g., visual analog scales, graphic rating scale, numeric rating scale) and use of a digital intervention in conjunction with opiates. Among identified RCTs, the majority of studies reported improved pain scores in the digital intervention group, as compared to “treatment as usual” group. Our work suggests that VR and mobile apps can be used as adjunct digital therapies for pain management. We discuss these findings in the context of how digital health technologies can transform patient-centered pharmacy care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayam Y. Giravi
- University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- *Correspondence: Hayam Y. Giravi
| | - Zack Biskupiak
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Linda S. Tyler
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Grzegorz Bulaj
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Accounting for Patient Engagement in Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12104952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be a useful treatment option for various mental health disorders. Modern advances in information technology and mobile communication enable delivery of state-of-the-art CBT programs via smartphones, either as stand-alone or as an adjunct treatment augmenting traditional sessions with a therapist. Experimental CBTs require careful assessment in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Methods: We investigate some statistical issues for an RCT comparing efficacy of an experimental CBT intervention for a mental health disorder against the control. Assuming a linear model for the clinical outcome and patient engagement as an influential covariate, we investigate two common statistical approaches to inference—analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and a two-sample t-test. We also study sample size requirements for the described experimental setting. Results: Both ANCOVA and a two-sample t-test are appropriate for the inference on treatment difference at the average observed level of engagement. However, ANCOVA produces estimates with lower variance and may be more powerful. Furthermore, unlike the t-test, ANCOVA allows one to perform treatment comparison at the levels of engagement other than the average level observed in the study. Larger sample sizes may be required to ensure experiments are sufficiently powered if one is interested in comparing treatment effects for different levels of engagement. Conclusions: ANCOVA with proper adjustment for engagement should be used for the for the described experimental setting. Uncertainty on engagement patterns should be taken into account at the study design stage.
Collapse
|
40
|
E-Health and its therapeutic applications in rheumatology. Joint Bone Spine 2022; 89:105405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2022.105405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
41
|
Prodan A, Deimel L, Ahlqvist J, Birov S, Thiel R, Toivanen M, Kolitsi Z, Kalra D. Success Factors for Scaling Up the Adoption of Digital Therapeutics Towards the Realization of P5 Medicine. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:854665. [PMID: 35492346 PMCID: PMC9039393 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.854665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Digital therapeutics (DTx) can be a valuable contribution to the successful scale up of P5 Medicine (personalized, participatory, predictive, preventive, precision medicine) as they offer powerful means of delivering personalization and active patient participation in disease self-management. We investigated how the approval and adoption of DTx within health systems have been approached in five selected European countries and regions, with a view to proposing success factors scaling up their adoption. Methodology Preliminary research established best countries or region candidates as being Germany, UK, France, Belgium, and the Spanish Region of Catalonia. The research was informed by a literature review, interviews with public bodies and industry, and a multi-stakeholder workshop to validate the findings and fill in existing gaps. Results To authorize the use of digital technologies, the countries and regions passed legislation and developed policy instruments, appointed bodies to assess and certify the products and formalized mechanisms for permitting reimbursement. While DTx is not a commonly used nomenclature, there are digital health technology types defined that have similar requirements as DTx. Assessment and certification frameworks are usually built around the Medical Device Regulation with additional criteria. Reimbursement considerations often observe reimbursement of therapeutic devices and/or medicines. To be integrated into reimbursement systems, countries require manufacturers to demonstrate clinical value and cost-effectiveness. As there are currently very few DTx approved in practice, there is resistance toward clinical acceptance and organizational change, and change management is highly needed to integrate DTx into healthcare systems. The integration and secondary use of DTx data is not encountered in daily practice. Although some enablers exist, there remain technical and legal barriers. Discussion DTx strategies should be considered as an integral part of digital health strategies and legislation, and specific DTx pathways with clear and transparent assessment and guidelines that balance regulation and innovation should be defined. To help manufacturers, countries should recommend and list methods that are widely accepted and ensure scientific robustness, aligned to the MDR requirements to support transfer of relevant and comparable data across countries. To facilitate rapid uptake of innovation, countries should add flexibility to the framework by allowing temporary market authorization to enable data collection that can support the clinical and socio-economic evaluation and data gathering phase. Certification should trigger rapid price setting and reimbursement mechanisms, and dynamic ways to adjust price and reimbursement levels in time should be established. Relevant stakeholders should be approached on the potential impacts of DTx through transparent communication and change management strategies should be considered. These findings should be validated with a wider range of stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Prodan
- empirica Gesellschaft für Kommunikations- und Technologieforschung mbH, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lucas Deimel
- empirica Gesellschaft für Kommunikations- und Technologieforschung mbH, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Strahil Birov
- empirica Gesellschaft für Kommunikations- und Technologieforschung mbH, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rainer Thiel
- empirica Gesellschaft für Kommunikations- und Technologieforschung mbH, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Zoi Kolitsi
- The European Institute for Innovation Through Health Data, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dipak Kalra
- The European Institute for Innovation Through Health Data, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Digital Therapeutic Device for Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstet Gynecol 2022; 139:606-615. [PMID: 35271539 PMCID: PMC8936159 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate whether pelvic floor muscle training using a motion-based digital intravaginal device is more effective than home pelvic floor muscle training for treatment of stress or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (UI).
Collapse
|
43
|
Ghaemi SN, Sverdlov O, van Dam J, Campellone T, Gerwien R. A Smartphone-Based Intervention as an Adjunct to Standard-of-Care Treatment for Schizophrenia: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e29154. [PMID: 35343910 PMCID: PMC9002609 DOI: 10.2196/29154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antipsychotic medications have limited benefits in schizophrenia, and cognitive behavioral therapy may be beneficial as an adjunct. There may be potential for implementing mobile cognitive behavioral therapy–based treatment for schizophrenia in addition to standard antipsychotic medications. Objective This study aims to determine whether PEAR-004, a smartphone-based investigational digital therapeutic, improves the symptoms of an acute psychotic exacerbation of schizophrenia when it is added to standard treatments. Methods This was a 12-week, multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled, rater-blinded, parallel group proof‑of‑concept study of 112 participants with moderate acute psychotic exacerbation in schizophrenia. This study was conducted in 6 clinical trial research sites in the United States from December 2018 to September 2019. The primary outcome, change in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) from baseline to week 12 or the last available visit, was analyzed using the mixed-effects regression model for repeated measures, applied to an intent-to-treat sample. Results The total PANSS scores slightly decreased from baseline over the study period in both groups; the treatment difference at day 85 between PEAR-004 and sham was 2.7 points, in favor of the sham (2-sided P=.09). The secondary scales found no benefit, except for transient improvement in depressive symptoms with PEAR-004. Application engagement was good, and patient and clinical investigator satisfaction was high. No safety concerns were observed. There was some evidence of study site heterogeneity for the onboarding processes and directions on PEAR-004 product use at baseline and throughout the study. However, these differences did not affect the efficacy results. Conclusions In the largest-to-date randomized, sham-controlled study of a digital therapeutic in schizophrenia, PEAR-004 did not demonstrate an effect on the primary outcome—total PANSS scores—when compared with a nonspecific digital sham control. The secondary and exploratory results also did not demonstrate any notable benefits, except for possible temporary improvement in depressive symptoms. This study provided many useful scientific and operational insights that can be used in the further clinical development of PEAR-004 and other investigational digital therapeutics. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03751280; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03751280
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Nassir Ghaemi
- Novaris Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Joris van Dam
- Novaris Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Deml MJ, Jungo KT, Maessen M, Martani A, Ulyte A. Megatrends in Healthcare: Review for the Swiss National Science Foundation's National Research Programme 74 (NRP74) "Smarter Health Care". Public Health Rev 2022; 43:1604434. [PMID: 35528712 PMCID: PMC9069234 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2022.1604434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: In this paper, we present a review of some relevant megatrends in healthcare conducted as part of the Swiss National Science Foundation's National Research Programme 74 (NRP74) "Smarter Health Care." Our aim is to stimulate discussions about long-term tendencies underlying the current and future development of the healthcare system. Methods: Our team-a multidisciplinary panel of researchers involved in the NRP74-went through an iterative process of internal consultations followed by a rapid literature review with the goal of reaching group consensus concerning the most relevant megatrends in healthcare. Results: Five megatrends were identified, namely: 1) Socio-demographic shifts. 2) Broadening meaning of "health." 3) Empowered patients and service users. 4) Digitalization in healthcare. 5) Emergence of new models of care. The main features of each megatrend are presented, drawing often on the situation in Switzerland as a paradigmatic example and adding reflections on the potential influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on them. Conclusion: Considering the long-term megatrends affecting the evolution of healthcare is important-amongst other things-to understand and contextualise the relevance and implications of innovative health services research results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Deml
- Department of Sociology, Institute of Sociological Research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Maud Maessen
- University Centre for Palliative Care, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Martani
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics (IBMB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Agne Ulyte
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Population Heath Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Woo JH, Kim EC, Kim SM. The Current Status of Breakthrough Devices Designation in the United States and Innovative Medical Devices Designation in Korea for Digital Health Software. Expert Rev Med Devices 2022; 19:213-228. [PMID: 35255755 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2022.2051479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly utilized in the medical device industry as it can address unmet demands in clinical sites and provide more patient treatment options. This study aims to analyze the FDA's Breakthrough Device Program and MFDS' Innovative Medical Device Program, which support regulatory science for innovative medical devices today. Through this study, it is intended to enable prediction of current development trends of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and Digital Therapeutics (DTx), which combine AI and technologies to be used in the clinical field soon. AREAS COVERED A systematic search was conducted on the broad topics of "FDA and MFDS Program's SaMD, DTx". A parallel review and update of PubMed, and the official websites were conducted to investigate the regulator's databases, review official press releases of regulatory agencies, and provide detailed descriptions of researchers. EXPERT OPINION The efforts of related stakeholders are needed to expand AI technology to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment technologies for diseases that are difficult to diagnose early or are classified as clinical challenges. It is important to prepare regulatory policies suitable for the rapid pace of technological development and to create an environment where regulatory science can be realized by developers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyun Woo
- Research Institute for Commercialization of Biomedical Convergence Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Medical Device Industry Program in Graduate School, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,National Institute of Medical Device Safety Information, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Cheol Kim
- Research Institute for Commercialization of Biomedical Convergence Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Medical Device Industry Program in Graduate School, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,National Institute of Medical Device Safety Information, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Min Kim
- Research Institute for Commercialization of Biomedical Convergence Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Medical Device Industry Program in Graduate School, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,National Institute of Medical Device Safety Information, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kim SY, Moon JY, Shin J, Sim JY, Kim M, Jang J. Survey for Government Policies Regarding Strategies for the Commercialization and Globalization of Digital Therapeutics. Yonsei Med J 2022; 63:S56-S62. [PMID: 35040606 PMCID: PMC8790580 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2022.63.s56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to build a direction for government policies regarding strategies for the commercialization of digital therapeutics in Korea, as well as its globalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 37 participants from the Korea Digital Health Industry Association (KODHIA). The data was based on a survey conducted in 2020 targeting employees of companies engaged in the digital health industry in Korea. Participants were asked about their involvement in product development of digital therapeutics and their opinion about the growing motivator for digital therapeutics in Korea and the global market. RESULTS According to our data, among subjects not involved in making digital therapeutics products, the main reason for not being involved was the lack of experts (73.9%) and difficulty in licensing (73.9%). Responses concerning the priority area in need of national support were R&D funding (43.2%), and the next was licensing guidance and simplifying regulations (24.3%). Possible difficulties of overseas market expansion were the unfamiliarity in digital therapeutics technology verification and licensing structures of foreign countries (73%), and concerns regarding the level of recognition of clinical trials and technology in Korea from overseas (70.3%). Overall, respondents were hesitant in starting a related business due to the lack of government support and the complexity of the regulation process. Moreover, concerns about global market entry were similar. Being unfamiliar with the novel process and worrying about the achievement despite existing challenges were the biggest drawback. CONCLUSION For the digital therapeutics industry to evolve domestically and internationally, government support and guidance are essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soo Young Kim
- Department of Public Health, Yonsei University Graduate School, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Youn Moon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
- Center for Public Healthcare, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea.
| | - Jaeyong Shin
- Department of Public Health, Yonsei University Graduate School, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jung Yeon Sim
- Department of Medical Device Engineering and Management, Yonsei University Graduate School, Seoul, Korea
| | - Meelim Kim
- Health IT Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jieun Jang
- Department of Public Health, Yonsei University Graduate School, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ribba B. Reinforcement learning as an innovative model-based approach: Examples from precision dosing, digital health and computational psychiatry. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1094281. [PMID: 36873047 PMCID: PMC9981647 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1094281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Model-based approaches are instrumental for successful drug development and use. Anchored within pharmacological principles, through mathematical modeling they contribute to the quantification of drug response variability and enables precision dosing. Reinforcement learning (RL)-a set of computational methods addressing optimization problems as a continuous learning process-shows relevance for precision dosing with high flexibility for dosing rule adaptation and for coping with high dimensional efficacy and/or safety markers, constituting a relevant approach to take advantage of data from digital health technologies. RL can also support contributions to the successful development of digital health applications, recognized as key players of the future healthcare systems, in particular for reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases to society. RL is also pivotal in computational psychiatry-a way to characterize mental dysfunctions in terms of aberrant brain computations-and represents an innovative modeling approach forpsychiatric indications such as depression or substance abuse disorders for which digital therapeutics are foreseen as promising modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ribba
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Weinstein MM, Pulliam SJ, Keyser L, Richter HE. Use of a motion-based digital therapeutic in women with fecal incontinence: A pilot study. Neurourol Urodyn 2021; 41:475-481. [PMID: 34897780 PMCID: PMC9300000 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AIMS There is limited data addressing the value of vaginal biofeedback (VBF) on fecal incontinence (FI) symptoms. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate whether use of a motion-based VBF device and app was effective for at-home treatment of women with FI. We hypothesized that VBF would result in improvement in FI symptoms. METHODS A single-arm 10-week prospective pilot trial in women with FI was conducted using the VBF device. The primary outcome was change in St. Mark's score from baseline to week 10. Secondary outcomes included change in 2-week bowel diary and FI quality of life (FIQoL). Statistical analysis included paired t test and Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. RESULTS Of 29 enrolled women, 27 had data available for analysis. Mean (±SD) age was 60.9 (±14.4). 63% (17) subjects were White, 33% (9) were Black. Mean St. Mark's score was 14.6 (±4.4) at baseline and 11.6 (±5.1) at 10-weeks (p = 0.005). Changes in the total FIQol, and three of four subsets of the FIQoL scores were also significantly improved (p < 0.001). Bowel diary showed decrease in FI episodes, baseline 8.4 (±8.73) to 10 weeks 4.8 (±3.79), (p = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, there was significant improvement in FI symptom-specific severity and quality of life using a vaginal, motion-based device for biofeedback. A larger study is needed to better understand the value of this device, which may be useful for women who prefer a vaginal device, which can be utilized at home compared with standard anal biofeedback for treatment of FI in the clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milena M Weinstein
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha J Pulliam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Renovia Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura Keyser
- Renovia Inc., Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy, Andrews University, Berrien Spring, Michigan, USA
| | - Holly E Richter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
[Digital therapeutics: which barriers for market access?]. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2021; 80:519-530. [PMID: 34896383 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Integrated to the e-health field, digital therapeutics can be defined as « software, combined or not to a device, in the purpose of prevention, treatment or monitoring of a disease, participating actively in mechanism of action and based on strong clinical evidence ». The aim of this work was to assess the level of digital therapeutics clinical validation and reflecting on their business model.Qualitative study has been conducted and different health actors have been interviewed. The semi-guided interviews made have been analysed through a three-level coding.Twenty-two interviews have been analysed and 6 categories have been identified. The interlocutors highlighted the leading role of digital therapeutics in the follow-up and prevention, supporting the empowerment of patient. However, the absence of consensus in their definition has led to heterogeneity of definition and a difficulty to limit their scope. Furthermore, the conduct of clinical trials, not really suited for digital therapeutics, forced the editors/manufacturers to search for funding for which availability and continuity are uncertain.By raising the issue of clinical efficacy demonstration of digital therapeutics, this study has led to new perspectives in assessment and business model. We could see in digital therapeutics a new nature of innovation associated with new organisations of our healthcare system and not necessarily by new therapeutics.
Collapse
|
50
|
Yan K, Balijepalli C, Druyts E. The Impact of Digital Therapeutics on Current Health Technology Assessment Frameworks. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:667016. [PMID: 34713140 PMCID: PMC8521991 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.667016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically healthcare has been delivered offline (e.g., physician consultations, mental health counseling services). It is widely understood that healthcare lags behind other industries (e.g., financial, transportation) whom have already incorporated digital technologies in their workflow. However, this is changing with the recent emergence of digital therapeutics (DTx) helping to bring healthcare services online. To promote adoption, healthcare providers need to be educated regarding the digital therapy to allow for proper prescribing. But of equal importance is affordability and many countries rely on reimbursement support from the government and insurance agencies. Here we briefly explore how national reimbursement agencies or non-profits across six countries (Canada, United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia) handle DTx submissions and describe the potential impact of digital therapeutics on current health technology assessment (HTA) frameworks. A targeted review to identify HTA submissions and guidelines from national reimbursement agencies or non-profits was conducted. We reviewed guidelines from the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) in the USA, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) in Canada, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom (UK), the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWIG) in Germany, Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) in France, and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) in Australia. Our review identified one set of guidelines developed by NICE in the UK. The guidelines by NICE outlined an evidence standards framework for digital health technologies (DHT). Depending on the organizational impact, financial commitment, and economic risk for the payer, different economic analyses are required. Economic analyses levels are separated into 3 categories, basic, low financial commitment, and high financial commitment. All economic analyses levels require a budget impact analysis. A cost-utility analysis is recommended for DHTs categorized in the high financial commitment category. Whereas, for DHTs that are in the low financial commitment category, a cost-consequence analysis is typically recommended. No HTA guidelines for DTx submissions were identified for the remaining countries (Canada, USA, Germany, France, and Australia)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Yan
- Pharmalytics Group, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|