Through conversations with a number of physicians, Ms. Landro discussed how digital medicine may help patients self-manage chronic conditions like diabetes, pulmonary disease, blood pressure and heart disease.
“[E]xperts say the innovations allow doctors to gather data about patient behavior and symptoms, and intervene when patients aren’t following their regimens or have a flare-up in their disease,” she writes. However, she emphasized there must be a treatment plan in place behind each app to advance care outcomes and provide a good patient experience.
In a recent study out of Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic found heart disease patients who used an online health program to supplement traditional care after angioplasty surgery had fewer emergency room visits and rehospitalizations. The online program asked patients to provide information about dietary and exercise habits, among other health data.
With these types of findings in mind, health systems like Mayo Clinic are increasingly looking to incorporate apps and remote patient monitoring devices into their programs.
“Whenever we introduce a new technology to help [patients], patients are very open to trying it,” cardiologist Steve Ommen, MD, told Ms. Landro. “This will definitely change the relationship between patients and care teams, but we see it as being more connected and really extending and enhancing our relationship.”
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