Why Digital Health Empowerment?
Digital health innovation and solutions can help empower patients and put them in charge of their health (Nickel et al., 2023). Even ordinary people can take control of their health and well-being through technology. There are many ways we can use digital health to make a difference in people’s lives, including the following:
- Education and Awareness: Digital tools provide information, resources, and educational content to help people understand health conditions, preventive measures, and healthy lifestyle choices. Empowered individuals can make informed decisions about their health.
- Self-Management: Digital health apps and wearables enable self-monitoring of vital signs, physical activity, and nutrition. By actively participating in their health management, individuals become empowered to improve their overall well-being.
- Personalized Care: Empowerment comes from personalized health solutions. Digital platforms can tailor recommendations based on an individual’s unique needs, preferences, and health history.
- Access to Health Records: Digital health records allow patients to access their medical history, test results, and treatment plans. This transparency fosters collaboration with healthcare providers and informed decision-making.
- Telehealth and Remote Consultations: Virtual visits empower patients to seek medical advice without geographical constraints. It’s especially crucial for underserved populations who may face barriers to in-person care.
- Behavior Change: Digital interventions can motivate behavior change, such as quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, or managing stress. Empowering individuals to adopt healthier habits leads to better outcomes.
Reference
Nickel, P.J., Loosman, I., Frank, L., & Vinnikova, A. (2023). Justice and empowerment through digital health: Ethical challenges and opportunities. Digital Society, 2(42), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44206-023-00075-x