095: Research About Digital Health

What Research About Digital Health is out there?

We hear a lot about digital health these days. But, as a former academic and proponent of evidence-based practice, I’m always interested in learning more of the research about digital health. What does the research about digital health say as far as outcomes, experience, engagement, value, etc.?

So, this week, I share 4 articles about digital health, specifically in the musculoskeletal (MSK) space, as that’s where I have the most experience. But a lot of the findings from this research about digital health apply to other areas of healthcare service delivery and care management.

What we cover in this Episode:

• Implementing technology to improve clinical outcome
• Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to guide MSK recovery
• Understanding the value in the access when it comes to digital healthcare
• The move towards hybrid healthcare
• Using wearable devices to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience
• Achieving Better Outcomes through digital health technology

Articles Reviewed in this Episode:

• Jang S, Lee B, Lee E, Kim J, Lee JI, Lim JY, Hwang JH, Jang S. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Rehabilitation Using Digital Healthcare on Musculoskeletal Pain and Quality of Life. J Pain Res. 2023 May 31;16:1877-1894. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S388757. PMID: 37284324; PMCID: PMC10239626.
• Szeto K, Arnold J, Singh B, Gower B, Simpson CEM, Maher C. Interventions Using Wearable Activity Trackers to Improve Patient Physical Activity and Other Outcomes in Adults Who Are Hospitalized: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(6):e2318478. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.18478
• Pinto ACPereira Nunes, Piva SR, Rocha A, Gomes-Neto M, Atallah ÁN, Saconato H, Trevisani VFM. Digital technology for delivering and monitoring exercise programs for people with cystic fibrosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD014605. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014605.pub2. Accessed 17 July 2023.
• Marcuzzi A, Nordstoga AL, Bach K, et al. Effect of an Artificial Intelligence–Based Self-Management App on Musculoskeletal Health in Patients With Neck and/or Low Back Pain Referred to Specialist Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(6):e2320400. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.20400
• Marcuzzi A, Bach K, Nordstoga AL, et al Individually tailored self-management app-based intervention (selfBACK) versus a self-management web-based intervention (e-Help) or usual care in people with low back and neck pain referred to secondary care: protocol for a multiarm randomised clinical trial. BMJ Open 2021;11:e047921. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047921

We’re starting to create videos of certain podcast episodes, including this episode, which can find on the YouTube Channel.

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If you enjoyed this episode: Join Rafael E. Salazar II, MHS, OTR/L (Rafi), principal of Rehab U Practice Solutions and host of The Better Outcomes Show as he explores the possibilities of a new healthcare. Guests range from clinicians trying new techniques and treatments to executives and entrepreneurs exploring new service delivery methods, business models, and organizational structures. You can sign-up to receive new episodes delivered directly to your inbox by filling out the form below.  Learn more about Rehab U Practice Solutions by reading The Manifesto for a New Healthcare, or listen to Episode 000. Or, grab a copy of the book: Better Outcomes: A Guide to Humanizing Healthcare.

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I’ve consulted on projects from multi-million-dollar state initiatives to early-stage product launches. My work’s been featured in Forbes, and I also speak at healthcare events and conferences on topics like innovation, digital health, and humanizing care. I also speak and train at healthcare conferences, events, and organizations on topics related to technology-enabled care, healthcare innovation, healthcare positioning, and humanizing the healthcare experience.

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