Digital health and perioperative care

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Informatics
• Genomic Medicine

Background:

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines digital health broadly, including mobile health (mHealth), health information technology (IT), wearable devices, telehealth, telemedicine, and personalized medicine.
• Digital health tools are utilized by providers and stakeholders to enhance healthcare efficiency, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and patient-specific treatments.
• A more recent definition by digital health strategist Paul Sonier describes digital health as the convergence of digital and genomic revolutions with health, healthcare, living, and society.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the definition and scope of digital health.
• To highlight the evolving understanding and integration of digital technologies in healthcare.
• To establish a foundational understanding of digital health for stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of definitions and scopes of digital health.
• Analysis of key components and applications of digital health.
• Synthesis of expert opinions and regulatory definitions.

Main Results:

• Digital health is a multifaceted field encompassing various technologies and applications.
• Key objectives of digital health include improving efficiency, access, cost, quality, and personalization in healthcare.
• The field is characterized by the convergence of digital and genomic advancements with healthcare and society.

Conclusions:

• Digital health represents a significant paradigm shift in healthcare delivery and patient management.
• The integration of digital technologies promises to revolutionize healthcare by making it more efficient, accessible, and personalized.
• Understanding the broad scope and evolving definitions of digital health is crucial for its effective implementation and advancement.