In an age when technological advances are transforming the way we live and work, it’s no surprise that the field of healthcare is also undergoing a digital revolution. Future Healthcare (FH), through its FH – Digital Health business line, is active in developing and implementing client-centred Digital Health solutions. Through the Future Healthcare Virtual Clinic (FHVC), it seeks to offer innovative and sustainable care to improve the health and well-being of its clients. With a close and accessible approach, it aims to enhance the client experience and provide value in healthcare. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the main factors influencing the role of Digital Health as an extraordinary complement to face-to-face healthcare in public health and to highlight FHVC’s position regarding these facts.
Public health is focused on three main pillars: health promotion, disease prevention, and the prolongation of healthy life, through organized efforts and informed choices on the part of society. Digital Health is here to help. However, it faces several challenges. If on the one hand it is driven by the weakened access to face-to-face healthcare and the immeasurable offering of products through digital channels; on the other it suffers due to the limited digital and health literacy of many individuals, which hinders its reach and effectiveness.
Limited access to healthcare facilities is also a reality, especially in remote areas. The use of Digital Health can help bridge this gap by enabling video consultations, promoting remote monitoring and providing health education channels. Telemedicine, in particular, allows healthcare professionals to provide quality care to people who would otherwise have difficulty accessing it.
However, although Digital Health has immense potential, we are faced with the issue of digital illiteracy. Many people with little exposure to technology find it difficult to navigate digital platforms or use digital health tools effectively. This poses a challenge to ensuring equitable access to digital health services. Public health efforts must include initiatives to promote digital literacy and ensure that everyone can reap the benefits of digital health innovations.
On the other hand, while levels of health literacy in society are disparate, there is a large majority who show a lack of knowledge or understanding of health-related information, which can hinder the ability of a significant number of individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Digital health platforms can help solve this problem by providing easily accessible and digestible information on various health topics. In this regard, it is also imperative to ensure that people overcome the difficulties of accessing digital media. FHVC implements a health literacy communication plan in order to provide its clients with as much information as possible to ensure they have the tools they need to better manage their health.
It is interesting to analyse the applicability of Digital Health, which demonstrates its enormous potential in the field of public health. It allows health professionals to diagnose and treat patients remotely, reducing the need for face-to-face visits and minimizing the burden on health facilities. However, there are some considerations and challenges associated with its implementation. One of the main challenges in using Digital Health is knowing how to discern when a video consultation is appropriate and when a face-to-face visit is necessary. While telemedicine is suitable for many non-emergency acute situations, it is not suitable for emergencies or situations that require a physical examination. Healthcare providers need to exercise clinical judgment to ensure the correct mode of care. Another challenge is the desired contribution to health promotion and disease prevention efforts. Digital Health, through new digital channels and tools, can promote personalized health programs, provide reminders for screenings or vaccinations, and track health behaviours. This allows users to proactively manage their health and reduce some of the burden on those involved. However, it also requires individuals to actively engage with digital platforms and take responsibility for their health. Another challenge posed by Digital Health is the possibility of using these digital health tools to manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension, in an innovative way. Remote monitoring devices, mobile apps, and personalized treatment plans help individuals keep track of their health parameters, receive medication reminders, and communicate with healthcare providers. This ensures better disease control and reduces hospitalizations. However, for widespread adoption, challenges such as affordability, access to the necessary devices, and technical support need to be addressed. Finally, we highlight the importance of easy access to health professionals who can enable e-prescribing, if appropriate, and allow users to conveniently access and supplement their medical records. In addition, they can provide guidance on the interpretation of complementary diagnostic tests, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their health. However, it is essential to guarantee the security and privacy of personal health information and to maintain strict protocols to prevent misuse.
Although Digital Health has many advantages, trade-offs and considerations must be taken into account in order to achieve a balanced approach. Digital Health demonstrates its convenience when it eliminates travel time and reduces waiting times for appointments. However, it must employ tools that promote the humanization of care and the empowerment of remote observation so that it is as close as possible to a face-to-face consultation. FHVC offers remote medical observation devices that enable video consultations, guaranteeing the possibility of lung and abdominal auscultation, throat, ear, and skin observation, among others. It promotes humanized healthcare through unique programs for each of its clients. Digital Health has the potential to reduce healthcare costs by minimizing hospital visits and readmissions. However, initial investments in technological infrastructure and training may need to be considered. As we have already pointed out, not everyone has access to affordable internet services or the necessary devices, which can create disparities in access to healthcare. Eliminating this digital divide is crucial to ensuring equitable access for all.
We conclude with the certainty that Digital Health is an extraordinary complement to face-to-face healthcare. By improving accessibility and enabling remote care, it has the potential to revolutionize healthcare systems. However, challenges such as digital illiteracy, health illiteracy, and equitable access need to be addressed. A balanced approach that combines face-to-face and digital interactions can maximize overall health benefits while ensuring the highest quality of care. As we navigate this Digital Health landscape, it is crucial to carefully consider the trade-offs and challenges associated with the different approaches in order to achieve the best outcomes for public health.