Digital Health – Treatment To Prevention​

Written by Maryam Haki Al-doori
Posted on December 10, 2019

Image result for digital health

Did you know that nowadays you can consult doctors online? You can also update your doctor about your health status through an app at your convenience! These are the foundation of digital health.

What is digital health?

Digital health, also known as e-health, is a growing industry that uses the convergence of technology and healthcare to aid in delivering healthcare efficiently.

The healthcare industry utilizes communication and information technology to assist in addressing the health problems and challenges faced by people under treatment.

Digital health is divided into three main categories:
1. Electronic health records
2. Digital services
3. Technology

Let us have a closer look into each category:

1. Electronic Health Record (EHR)

An electronic health record is an electronic version of a patient’s health records. EHR provides a comprehensive view of a patient’s care. EHRs can be accessed by authorized healthcare personnel only to access the patient’s medical history and treatments.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad (2019) has said that “20% of the hospitals in the country already have the system in place, including Selayang Hospital and Ampang Hospital, but it is still not fully operational”.

2. Digital health services

The healthcare industry is evolving and industry players are trying to find the best method to adapt and keep up with this advancement in the industry. In the aspect of digital health, some of the services provided include the use of artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is implemented in digital health services by assisting medical professionals to make precise medical decisions. AI will pave the path to develop heart rate monitoring, fitness, and health applications.

The figure Shows how digital health works, by providing health check applications such as heart rate monitoring app.
Digital health services include providing health check applications with the utilization of artificial intelligence.

 3. Technology 

Success requires a convergence of various mindsets, technologies, and experiences found in the academia, pharma, and healthcare industries. Technology may help to predict a patient’s health status. 

Industries are now focused on the development of the four main technology divisions that are involved in digital healthcare: 

  1. Telehealth (Home Health Monitoring technology and Services)
  2. Telecare (Independent Living Technologies and Services)
  3. Wellness & Fitness
  4. E-health Solutions

The importance of digital health

The healthcare industry’s objectives are complicated and diverse. Some of which includes:

  • Assisting patients to communicate with the consultant directly
  • Prevention of diseases
  • Monitoring and managing chronic diseases
  • Reducing the price of healthcare services
  • Personalized treatment that will suit everyone’s needs

How it can benefit the people?

It is expected that digital healthcare will allow individuals to improve their lifestyles based on the information that is readily available on their healthcare application. Patients can also receive consultation from doctors through virtual communication. This allows doctors to monitor their patient’s health from home. Your doctor will just be a tap away with advanced digital healthcare. This will then reduce the need to make a trip to the hospital or clinic. With that, it will then lower the individual’s lifetime healthcare costs.  

In addition to that, it could also help to speed up the treatment process or relieve the symptoms with insightful data that contribute to a doctor’s diagnosis and prescription.

“As Malaysia is into the 4th Industrial Revolution, there’s a need to develop that form within the local ecosystem to cultivate learn the culture of innovation and commercialization. In the field of medicine, constantly evolving and changing at a rapid rate. Healthcare professionals need to keep abreast with this, to make healthcare – better, faster, smarter and cheaper.” 

Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Director General of Health, Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia 

Digital health is a powerful tool used to improve people’s health, and there is a lot of potential in it. For more information about digital health, feel free to check out our website here or chat with us on Facebook to exchange ideas.

One reply on “Digital Health – Treatment To Prevention​”

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