Patient generated health data: Benefits and challenges.

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Informatics
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Patient Generated Health Data (PGHD) is increasingly collected through mobile health (mHealth) applications and wearable devices.
• The proliferation of these technologies has expanded the potential for continuous health monitoring outside traditional clinical settings.
• PGHD offers numerous advantages, including enhanced chronic condition management, improved patient engagement, and better patient-provider communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the benefits and challenges associated with the growing use of Patient Generated Health Data (PGHD).
• To highlight the potential of PGHD in improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
• To identify necessary steps for the safe and effective integration of PGHD into clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Review of current trends and applications of mHealth apps and wearable devices in health data generation.
• Analysis of the advantages and limitations hindering the adoption and utilization of PGHD.
• Discussion of strategies for future development and implementation of PGHD.

Main Results:

• PGHD facilitates enhanced monitoring, patient awareness, and communication, aligning with Institute of Medicine (IOM) care principles.
• Significant challenges include limited internet access, integration into clinical workflows, data privacy concerns, and accuracy/safety apprehensions.
• Joint clinician-patient decisions and the development of standards are crucial for optimal PGHD leverage.

Conclusions:

• PGHD holds substantial potential to personalize and improve healthcare, particularly for pediatric and young adult populations.
• Overcoming barriers requires collaborative efforts involving regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and professional organizations.
• Further research and innovation are essential to fully realize the benefits of PGHD in collaborative and efficient care models.