Digital health and telemedicine
Integrating technology in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize delivery, according to reports (979 words, 5 minutes)
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The impact of technology on various industries is undeniable, and healthcare is no exception. With the integration of digital health and telemedicine, the delivery of healthcare services is being transformed, benefiting patients, healthcare professionals, and the entire healthcare system. According to the peer-reviewed journal Telemedicine and e-Health, the Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the urgency for advanced, high-quality telemedicine and digital health services.
According to Elation Health, telemedicine platforms have revolutionized healthcare services by enabling remote access. Patients can now connect with healthcare providers and discuss their symptoms, seek medical advice, and receive prescriptions through secure online communication channels and video consultations, eliminating the need for in-person visits. Telehealth has proven advantageous for individuals residing in rural areas and those with limited mobility or transportation options, as per research conducted by Canadian authors and published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health.
Remote patient monitoring is also a significant aspect of digital health. According to Anastasia Lit, co-founder of the Dubai-based health tech consultancy TechPharus, AI-powered tools facilitate remote patient monitoring. During her presentation at the 2023 National Pharma Congress Winter Webinar in April, Lit said wearable biotech is being used in telemedicine. She said the rapid development of this particular technology could be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited in-person visits to hospitals and clinics.
Lit mentioned that telehealth is a convenient and effective way to deliver care and that wearable biotech can monitor patients from a distance, allowing for more frequent check-ins and reducing the need for in-person visits. Additionally, wearable devices and other monitoring technologies enable healthcare providers to gather real-time data on patients’ vital signs, chronic conditions, and overall health status.
The integration of telemedicine and digital health technologies can have many advantages. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it can improve access to healthcare services, reduce the burden on healthcare facilities, enhance efficiency by streamlining administrative processes, reduce wait times, and enable healthcare providers to deliver care to more patients.
However, it is essential to acknowledge specific challenges. Research published by the University of Saskatchewan cites privacy and data security as one of the most critical concerns regarding telehealth. Furthermore, the same publication notes that the digital divide and gaps in internet connectivity, digital literacy, and access to technology are significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure equitable access to telemedicine and digital health services.
Sources:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23743735231184692
https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/6-27-prakash-piece
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/digital-health-center-excellence/what-digital-health
THIS WEEK 07/11/23
Biogen Canada announced that anibizumab injection (PrByooviz), an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor biosimilar therapy for treating severe retinal disorders, will now be reimbursed in Quebec.
The U.S. FDA approved Pfizer and OPKO Health’s somatrogon-ghla (Ngenla) for treating pediatric patients three years and older with growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone.
The U.S. FDA approved valoctocogene roxaparvovec-rvox (Roctavian), a gene therapy for treating adult patients with severe hemophilia A without antibodies to adeno-associated virus serotype 5.
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals Canada has entered into a Product Listing Agreement with Quebec for the public reimbursement of sodium phenylbutyrate and ursodoxicoltaurine (Albrioza) to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
At the recent Canadian Dermatology Association’s (CDA) Annual Conference in June, Galderma Canada announced they successfully raised $10,000 through their Walk for Camp Liberte event held earlier that month. Camp Liberté is a charitable organization run by Canadian dermatologists that allows children with moderate to severe skin diseases to attend a summer camp. Galderma generously matched all the funds pledged during the Walk. The cheque was presented by Galderma Canada’s general manager, Wendy Adams (holding cheque on right), and senior director, Casey James Lawton (on left), alongside other Galderma team members.
LISTEN UP
In season 10 of the NPC Podcast, Wendy Adams, GM of Galderma Canada Inc., discusses diversifying treatment portfolios, raising funds for kids with skin conditions, and encouraging collaboration with in-person meetings. Hear her in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. In Healthbiz Rewind, you’ll read bold life sci predictions made during the renowned “Prognostication Korner” segment of the NPC Podcast.
Cathy Harley
Chief Executive Officer
Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada (NSWOCC)
Ottawa
Season 6, episode 04
Listen to this episode here
What bold predictions will you make about the life sciences industry during the coming 12 to 24 months?
Looking at life sciences and thinking about what has happened since the pandemic started and the coming together of traditional competitors who have partnered to accelerate, research, and develop the fastest novel vaccine in history, we have already seen a change in this sector. When we look at the governments, the health systems, the payers, the pharmacies, and the nonprofits, I think we see a coalition being built. It is no longer feasible to work in silos. We have to come together and wrap our heads around the healthcare system’s problems and develop solutions that will better meet the needs of this changed environment.
I also think that digitization is broadening, and because of that, we’re seeing more possibilities in the life science sector. We have redefined how we work; a lot of people are working from home and healthcare delivery is shifting to become more virtual. These innovative collaborations we’re seeing will make things more efficient, and hopefully will also reduce costs to the system. I believe we’ll see more technological advancements, like in wound diagnostics, but we’re also going to see a change in how healthcare is delivered with the nursing shortage that’s upon us, and the crisis in healthcare. I think there needs to be a big focus on how we will deliver care more effectively and more efficiently as we move forward.
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