Discovery Health CEO Dr Ryan Noach takes a look at the role digital therapeutics could play in enhancing the delivery of healthcare to patients. Using software to guide patients through therapy, for example, has already proven to be beneficial. Could this be the future of mental healthcare?
DTx are clinically validated treatments carrying approvals by local regulatory authorities, just like medicines. These tools are accessed through smart devices - and sometimes connected to IoT devices. They must be recommended by a registered health professional. As patients use DTx, their healthcare providers can monitor their compliance and progress, thereby enriching clinical management.
Representative of the South African mental health trends, data shows that from 2018 to 2022, mental illness increased in prevalence by almost 20% among Discovery Health Medical Scheme members.