The power of digital therapeutics: Changing lives through technology

Digital technologies have touched every aspect of our lives and healthcare is no exception. In India, for instance, we’ve witnessed the impact of several government-led digital healthcare initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, e-Sanjeevani, and the CoWIN App in bridging the healthcare gap.

With the advent of new-age digital healthcare innovations, we are on the path to witnessing a healthcare transformation across the globe. The growth of digital therapeutics is one area that offers tremendous potential. 

As per the Digital Therapeutics Alliance, Digital therapeutics (DTx) refers to medical interventions that are delivered directly to patients using evidence-based, clinically evaluated software to treat, manage, and prevent a broad spectrum of diseases and disorders. Reports suggest that the global digital therapeutics market is expected to be worth USD 21.9 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 29.1% during the forecast period. 

Digital therapeutics can potentially unleash a new era in healthcare by offering a disruptive treatment approach for chronic disease management. It uses a mix of technologies using Augmented Reality(AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality(MR) to deliver unprecedented personalisation and precision. 

New age treatments for neurodivergent conditions

A study published in the Journal of the Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health found that about 5.7% of school-going children in India suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study stresses the importance of early identification and intervention to prevent long-term negative consequences.

Digital therapeutics technology holds promise for conditions such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through personalised and targeted interventions and accelerated treatment approaches, it presents a compelling case for enhancing the management of neurodivergent conditions. 

While there has been some scepticism about the effectiveness of digital therapeutics, the United States Food and Drug Administration(US FDA) recently cleared the first prescription digital therapeutic for use in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) symptom. This has proved to be a shot in the arm for the adoption of digital therapeutics in the treatment of depression. 

Unlike conventional medicine, the treatment relies on a medical device to deliver cognitive emotional training exercises and therapy lessons. The treatment uses the brain’s neuroplastic nature to alter emotional connections and mitigate symptoms by working on affected neural networks. 

Through a sensory integration of AR and VR environments, this technology can create immersive digital environments to facilitate sensory experiences through controlled stimuli exposure. VR-enabled skills training can provide a secure space for neurodivergent individuals to practice social interaction skills, thus boosting confidence and competence in real-world scenarios. Interactive interventions based on the principles of behavioural therapy can help manage impulsivity and attention difficulties through engaging games and exercises that reinforce positive behaviours. 

Today, several systemic barriers and resource limitations make comprehensive care inaccessible to patients. Given this, the use of digital therapeutics could be extremely empowering for both patients and caregivers. 

A plethora of use cases for digital therapeutics 

Beyond neurodivergent conditions, the number of potential use cases for digital therapeutics is limitless. With chronic ailments such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues, they can facilitate better management through symptom tracking and personalised coaching. Coached mindfulness exercises and virtual therapy sessions can aid the management of depression, anxiety, and stress. 

DTx can address alcohol and drug addiction through interventions such as motivational interviewing and relapse prevention strategies. They can aid in treating sleep disorders through sleep tracking, relaxation techniques, and cognitive interventions. DTx can also support weight loss and healthy eating habits in patients with lifestyle problems.  Other use cases include treatment for mental, cognitive, and developmental disorders as well as rehabilitation and pain management.

Various stakeholders must come together to ensure that DTx technologies adhere to the highest standards in healthcare delivery. Healthcare providers have a pivotal role to play in exploring the use of digital technologies to provide accurate diagnosis, comprehensive treatment planning, and continuous care for patients. 

To unleash the full potential of digital therapeutics and realise its transformative impact on global health and well-being requires investments in research, collaboration, and technology integration across the ecosystem.

(The article is co-authored by Dr. Devashish Konar MD Vice President International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions)

Alok Anand

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Alok Anand is Global Director at Healthcare & Life Sciences HARMAN