Literature Review
A literature review implies the discussion of the specific topic based on scholarly sources. It may provide the main points of the sources and give a new interpretation of old materials. In this literature review, I will discuss the issues of the application of digital therapeutics in modern healthcare and its beneficial effect on patients’ treatment. The paper will review the following concepts:
- The potential of digital therapeutics for reducing the current costs of healthcare.
- Nursing staff training for digital therapeutics usage.
- Application of digital therapeutics in patients’ treatment processes.
In the next section, I will discuss some of the healthcare spheres that require high costs and how a digital approach can help to reduce costs amount.
Overview of Literature Concept 1
According to Sverdlov, Van Dam, Hannesdottir, and Thornton-Wells (2018), the development of new medicines involves high costs and risks. A huge amount of investment and resources are required at all stages of drug development and market launch. At the same time, as the researchers note, the probability of success is very low. On average, only about 9% of new drugs pass all stages and enter the market (Sverdlov et al., 2018). For changing the situation, it is required to modernize this sphere.
The application of digital therapeutics in healthcare can help significantly reduce current costs. Digital therapy can be used by itself or in combination with other approaches. For instance, the usage of digital therapy, in combination with existing pharmacotherapy, can be a more effective and lower-cost way than developing new medicines (Sverdlov et al., 2018). According to the studies, cognitive behavioral therapy that includes digital methods has proven its effect on brain chemistry. Researchers also argue that introducing a digital approach to biopharmacology can reduce the amount of time it takes to launch a drug on the market (Sverdlov et al., 2018).
In addition, researchers note that digital platforms help to collect clinically relevant data (Sverdlov et al., 2018). It may include, for instance, information about patients’ state, symptoms, and compliance that allow doctors to provide remote treatment. The usage of such platforms and applications can reduce the number of cases when patients need to visit a hospital. In addition, as studies show, Electronic Data Capture proves its advantages helping to increase the accuracy of collecting data and cost-efficiency in comparison with paper-based trials (Sverdlov et al., 2018). The next section will discuss the need for training medical staff for the successful application of the digital approach.
Overview of Literature Concept 2
In modern medicine, treatment is often not limited to prescribing medication. Nursing staff needs to apply innovative approaches for more effective treatment. Digital therapeutics may include “robotics in surgery, text messages to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, devices for heart rhythm monitoring, apps for managing medications and weight” (Ferguson et al., 2018, p. 1). Thus, traditional healthcare service is currently being transformed. It becomes necessary to prepare medical staff for the successful application and assessment of digital therapeutics.
Many technological innovations require certain improvements regarding the quality of evidence. The conducted studies of available healthcare applications had a short duration and small sample size. The researchers consider that it proves the need for methodological rigor of studies in this sphere (Ferguson et al., 2018). Ferguson et al. (2018) note that “nurses must be well educated and skilled to appraise the quality of evidence in this area” (p. 3). Thus, it also shows the need for more thorough training of medical staff.
The researchers claim that digital therapeutics are not sufficiently regulated. Nurses need to consider different factors when prescribing digital therapy (Ferguson et al., 2018). This sphere involves such issues as data security, additional costs for patients, the lack of adequate monitoring. In addition, patients often need recommendations regarding the choice and usage of digital devices, products, or services. In this regard, this innovational approach requires further investigation and nursing competencies in this sphere. In the next section, I will provide examples of successful treatment with the help of the digital approach.
Overview of Literature Concept 3
Several studies prove the effectiveness of the application of digital therapeutics in patients’ treatment processes. According to Kaufman, Ferrin, and Sugrue (2019), digital approaches allow patients with diabetes to monitor their health. For instance, patients using the glucose monitoring mobile app had fewer cases of hyperglycemia. In addition, mobile users experienced a lower average glucose level. At the same time, the control group not using the application showed the worst results regarding blood glucose (Kaufman, 2019).
Choi, Kim, Nah, and Kang (2019) conducted research where they studied the digital approach in the treatment of patients with neurological deficits. The researchers noticed that patients who were using The Working Memory software had improvements in working memory. The same results were received for patients using the Constant Therapy application. It should be noted that patients having clinic therapy showed similar outcomes regarding their memory performance. However, the app showed its potential in the shortening of the time of rehabilitation compared with patients who had clinic therapy.
Espie et al. (2016) studied the beneficial effects of digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with insomnia. They found significant improvements in patient’s well-being when applying this approach. The patients were using the web and mobile channels in addition to their usual therapy. According to the study, digital CBT helped to reduce “problems with sleepiness, cognitive impairment, and productivity” (p. 3). In addition, researchers also assume that CBT for insomnia can help to reduce depressive symptoms.
References
Choi, M. J., Kim, H., Nah, H. W., & Kang, D. W. (2019). Digital therapeutics: emerging new therapy for neurologic deficits after stroke. Journal of stroke, 21(3), 242.
Espie, C. A., Luik, A. I., Cape, J., Drake, C. L., Siriwardena, A. N., Ong, J. C.,… & Sheaves, B. (2016). Digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia versus sleep hygiene education: the impact of improved sleep on functional health, quality of life and psychological well-being. Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 17(1), 257.
Ferguson, C., Hickman, L., Wright, R., Davidson, P. M., & Jackson, D. (2018). Preparing nurses to be prescribers of digital therapeutics. Web.
Kaufman, N., Ferrin, C., & Sugrue, D. (2019). Using digital health technology to prevent and treat diabetes. Diabetes technology & therapeutics, 21(S1), S-79.
Sverdlov, O., Van Dam, J., Hannesdottir, K., & Thornton‐Wells, T. (2018). Digital therapeutics: an integral component of digital innovation in drug development. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 104(1), 72-80.