What is Digital Health?
Introduction
- Digital health is about using technology to help people stay healthy and get better when they are ill.
- It includes things like online medical records, video doctor visits, and health apps on phones.
- In this talk, we’ll look at what digital health is, why it matters, and how it affects patients and doctors.
What This Talk Covers
- What do we mean by “digital” and “health”?
- How has healthcare changed with technology?
- What are the main digital tools used in healthcare?
- What are the benefits and challenges of digital health?
- How can you learn more about digital health?
What is “Digital” and What is “Health”?
What is Digital?
- Anything that uses computers, the internet, or smart devices.
- Examples: Emails, apps, websites, mobile phones.
What is Health?
- Everything related to keeping people well or treating them when they are ill.
- Examples: Hospitals, doctors, medicines, exercise.
How Do They Overlap?
- Digital health is when we use digital tools to help with health.
- Examples:
- Booking a doctor’s appointment online.
- Using an app to track your heart rate.
- A hospital storing patient records on a computer instead of paper.
How Has Healthcare Changed With Technology?
The Old Way
- Doctors wrote notes on paper.
- If you needed medical advice, you had to visit a clinic in person.
- There were no mobile apps or online health services.
Early Digital Changes (1980s - 2000s)
- Most early digital health developments in the UK started in GP practices.
- GP systems were some of the first to adopt electronic records, replacing paper files.
- Early prescription systems allowed doctors to send prescriptions to pharmacies digitally.
- Hospitals started using computers for administrative tasks, but most patient records were still on paper.
- Early telemedicine experiments allowed doctors to give advice over the phone.
The Digital Health Boom (2010s - Now)
- Smartphones & Apps: Patients started using apps for tracking health, fitness, and medications.
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Hospitals and clinics moved to digital records that could be shared across healthcare providers.
- Telemedicine Growth: Video calls with doctors became more common, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Wearable Devices: Smartwatches and fitness trackers allowed people to monitor their health in real-time.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI helped doctors analyse scans and predict illnesses more accurately.
- Big Data in Healthcare: Large amounts of health data helped scientists understand diseases better.
The Future of Digital Health
- More personalised care using AI and health data.
- Faster diagnosis and treatment through automation.
- More remote monitoring and home-based healthcare.
- Better integration between digital systems to make healthcare more efficient.
What Are The Main Digital Tools in Healthcare?
1. Digital Medical Records
- A computer version of a patient’s medical history.
- Helps doctors quickly find information about patients.
2. Telemedicine (Seeing a Doctor Online)
- Talking to a doctor using a video call instead of going to a clinic.
- Useful for people who live far away or cannot travel easily.
3. Health Apps
- Apps that help track steps, diet, sleep, or medical conditions.
- Examples: A diabetes app that reminds people to check their blood sugar.
4. Wearable Devices
- Smartwatches and fitness trackers that measure heart rate, sleep, and activity.
- Some devices can alert doctors if something is wrong.
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare
- AI can help doctors read X-rays or predict health problems.
- Some chatbots give basic health advice based on symptoms.
6. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
- Protecting patient information so that only the right people can see it.
- Important for keeping medical records safe.
Benefits and Challenges of Digital Health
Benefits
- Faster and Easier Healthcare: Patients can get advice without leaving home.
- More Information: Apps and wearables help people understand their health.
- Better Care: Doctors can access patient records quickly.
Challenges
- Not Everyone Has Internet Access: Some people may struggle to use digital tools.
- Privacy Concerns: Keeping personal health data safe is important.
- Learning to Use New Technology: Patients and doctors need to learn how to use digital health tools properly.
How Can You Learn More About Digital Health?
Where to Start?
- Websites and online courses (e.g. NHS Digital, FutureLearn).
- Books and guides (like Essentials of Health Informatics).
- Join groups that discuss digital health topics.
- Attend online talks or workshops.
Final Thoughts
- Digital health is changing how we access and receive care.
- There are many opportunities to learn and get involved.
- Start small: Try a health app or book an online appointment!
Thank You!
Questions?
- Connect via Let’s Do Digital or LinkedIn.
- More resources at: [Insert relevant link]