The emerging field of digital therapeutics is transforming the world of neurology care for patients – from VR therapy for Parkinson’s to personalised care plans, and AI-driven diagnostics. Stephanie Price reports.
As the world traverses its switch from the analogue to the digital, the field of healthcare is harnessing the power of technology to improve patient care and outcomes.
New digital tools and therapeutics are offering innovative ways of carrying out traditional care – from stroke rehabilitation to chronic pain management, these tools not only offer the chance to improve patient outcomes but to make cost savings in the already stretched field of care.
Advancements in such technologies have the potential to revolutionise how we approach the treatment of neurological conditions by using tools such as VR, mobiles apps, and wearable technologies.
However, concerns surround the use of these technologies, including concerns over data privacy, cost-barriers and limited long-term evidence, for example.
Digital therapeutics for neurocare
Digital therapeutics are becoming increasingly common for helping to improve symptoms of conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and mental health.
Virtual reality (VR) is one digital tool in particular that is being used for helping to improve symptoms of conditions such as Parkinson’s or brain injury, including improving gait, cognition and attention, and for reducing fall risks.
One review of 12 studies revealed how VR has shown positive results, and is a feasible and effective tool for such conditions in both rehabilitative healthcare and in home-based settings.
Gaming is now becoming part of healthcare, with gamified digital platforms being designed for purposes such as stroke rehabilitation, using cognitive and physical exercises to retrain motor skills and improve brain function in stroke survivors.
Furthermore, technologies such as mobile apps and health platforms are transforming how care can be delivered at home, providing services such as pain management, stress management and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Wearable technologies are also transforming the world of neurocare, providing innovative tools to track condition symptoms such as tremors, falls and dyskinesia.
These tools may enable easier access to care for patients, allowing treatment to take place at home rather than in-clinic, and can provide personalised treatment plans through the use of data collected through tools like wearables.
Overcoming barriers to digital care
Despite these incredible advancements, there are still barriers to overcome when it comes to the full adoption and roll out of these technologies.
Data privacy is one of those concerns, with healthcare providers raising concerns over the collection, storage and use of sensitive patient data by digital therapeutic platforms. Apps often collect sensitive healthcare data from wearable devices, for example, highlighting the importance of highly secure data collection.
In fact, one study has highlighted that a number of apps for health management do not fully comply with stringent healthcare data regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.
Additionally, while many digital tools may be cost-effective in the long run, critics have raised concerns over cost and reimbursement, as some of these tools can be expensive to implement and in many areas of the world, such therapies are not yet covered by insurance – limiting adoption.
Another barrier to the adoption of digital health tools is the ‘Digital Health Divide’. While many young people today are fluent in the use of digital tech, older generations may struggle to use or keep up with these ever evolving tools. Equally, as tech continues to develop, younger generations may find themselves falling behind in digital literacy.
Particularly, some healthcare providers may face a steep learning curve for learning how to use and incorporate new digital tools, such as those that utilise AI, into their healthcare practice.
Equally exasperating this digital divide is the access to such tools in rural areas, with many locations unable to provide access to cutting edge technology, leaving patients in a ‘post code lottery’ for innovative care and treatment options.
While digital therapeutics have the potential to revolutionise how we deliver neurology care and rehabilitation, challenges related to data security, digital divides and training remain as challenges to their adoption and roll out.
